Shapey: In His Own Voice

Author: Baron, Carol

Source: Contemporary Music Review, Volume 27, Numbers 4-5, August 2008 , pp. 407-432(26)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Excerpted from a transcript of interviews with Ralph Shapey, this article reveals aspects of Shapey's strong personality and of his complex relationship with his teacher Stefan Wolpe. The article touches on Shapey's principal ideas as a composer: those derived from Wolpe and the ideas of Wolpe he rejected; and his concept of the 'graven image', derived from his perception of what was most effective in 'all the old masters—Bach, Beethoven, Brahms'. More precise notation was developed to handle the rhythmic concepts that developed in the music of the 1950s. The centrality of Shapey's role as conductor of contemporary music in New York City during the late 1950s and early 1960s is made clear. Shapey also describes his approach to teaching composition, which emphasizes the integrity of abstract musical ideas.

Keywords: Marx, Josef; Meyer, Leonard; Nemiroff, Isaac; Sauter, Eddie; Schoenberg, Arnold; Stravinsky, Igor

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/07494460802366991

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$38.49 plus tax Refund Policy