Probably the most famous story of the Ives family is that of George Ives directing two town bands to walk towards each other in an aural experiment of clashing proportions. \u00a0Whether or not this story is true, it does tell how George inspired a desire to experiment in his son, as well as the tradition of band music that comes from the late nineteenth century.<\/p>\n
As an adult, Charles Ives became involved in insurance, but remains one of the most prolific American composers of the 20th century. \u00a0Much of this acclaim comes from the innovation of his compositions as they experimented with key, quotations, melody, and rhythm.<\/p>\n
In 1918 Ives became ill with some sort of heart disease. \u00a0As Ives grew sicker, he tried harder to reach the American musical communities by sending out his works to composers and musicians. \u00a0Many recipients thanked him generously for the free scores he sent, but likely did not read through the pieces–or if they did, might have been put-off by the strange and new work. \u00a0This is why John Philip Sousa\u2019s reply is one of the best.<\/p>\n
\n\u201c1 June 1923, John Philip Sousa to Charles Ives<\/em><\/p>\n
\n
My Dear Mr. Ives:<\/p>\n
Permit me to thank you for your kindness in sending me your volume of\u00a0114 Songs<\/em> of which you are the composer. \u00a0Some of the songs are most startling to a man educated by the harmonic methods of our forefathers.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Yours Sincerely,<\/p>\n
John Philip Sousa\u201d<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\n
Sousa\u2019s comment is neither positive nor negative, but reflects the sentiment of a man confronted with something entirely new. \u00a0As a composer steeped in the tradition of bandmasters such as Sousa, Ives must have been honored that Sousa took the time to read his work. \u00a0Band music played such a prominent role in the Ives household as George led the town bands himself and probably chose many Sousa marches to direct. \u00a0The satisfaction of knowing Sousa was impressed by Ives’ work reflects his life desire to write his father’s work. \u00a0To Charles, Sousa probably represented a bit of George with his marches. \u00a0Gaining the attention of the famous march composer must have been like receiving the approval of George Ives himself.<\/p>\n
Burkholder, J. Peter. \u00a0“Charles Ives and His World.” \u00a0Princeton University Press,\u00a0<\/em>Princeton 1996.<\/p>\n
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Probably the most famous story of the Ives family is that of George Ives directing two town bands to walk towards each other in an aural experiment of clashing proportions. \u00a0Whether or not this story is true, it does tell … Continue reading