MUSIC IN AMERICA

This attempt to trace musical growth in America from the Puritans to the present is mainly a collection of names and dates tied together with generalizations. Among the topics considered are music of the Puritans, the slaves, the Indians, the church and the twentieth century, but the emphasis is so vague that the reader is left with little idea of the importance of each in the total perspective. Obscure references (both historical and musical), a pedantic style and lack of simple musical examples put it out of reach for most young readers, and the sketchy quality makes it of little use to their elders. While offering some knowledge of musicians and forms which have prevailed through different periods, for the most part this is scanty, superficial coverage.