ABSTRACT

The Wind Band Music of Henry Cowell studies the compositions for wind band by twentieth-century composer Henry Cowell, a significant and prolific figure in American fine art music from 1914-1965. The composer is noteworthy and controversial because of his radical early works, his interest in non-Western musics, and his retrogressive mature style—along with notoriety for his imprisonment in San Quentin on a morals charge. Eleven chapters are organized both topically and chronologically. An introduction, conclusion, series of eight appendices, bibliography, and discography complete this comprehensive study, along with an audio playlist of representative works, hosted on the CMS website.

chapter 2|30 pages

The Genesis of the Early Band Works

chapter 6|22 pages

Cowell on His Own: Sublime Wind Band Music

chapter 8|36 pages

On Parole: Compositions for Band

chapter 9|39 pages

Works for Band, 1942–1950

chapter 11|16 pages

Conclusions