Orpheus in Manhattan: William Schuman and the Shaping of America's Musical Life
"Pianist and composer Swayne... devotes equal space to a thorough analysis of Schuman's work as a composer and to discussing his considerable influence on the educational and artistic institutions of his day and beyond... Swayne's work reflects on the cultural, social, and political achievements of a musical giant. For scholars of Schuman and American music and aficionados of both." --Library Journal"This author clearly likes people and clearly he has charmed many into helping make this hugely detailed book a brilliant success... Strongly recommended." --James Tobin,Classical Net"Even if Schuman, no Orpheus, shaped American musical life more as administrator than creator, the present book is a fascinating study in power plays in the higher spheres of America's arts world." --Benjamin Ivry,Newark Star-Ledger"Swayne has pursued his research with a voracious diligence."--Walter Simmons,Fanfare"An objective, detailed account illustrating Schuman's roles as composer, administrator, husband, father, and friend...A well written, well documented, and totally thorough biographical work." --Notes"Brilliantly penetrates through to the tough soul of America's symphonist and is documented with 100 pages of notes and a bibliography." --Gramophone"Swayne'sOrpheus in Manhattanis a triumph of archival research, and a testament to the length of William Schuman's reach across the century. It is well worth a reader's time following him there." --Journal of the American Musicological Society"Swayne's biography seems poised to provide the definitive scholarly account of Schuman for the foreseeable future and articulates the kinds of issues that make a figure like Schuman such a compelling biographical subject." --American Music