Wanderjahre of a revolutionist and other essays on American music

The composer Arthur Farwell (1875-1952) had only recently joined the staff of the paper Musical America when his autobiographical "Wanderjahre of a Revolutionist" began appearing in weekly installments early in 1909. Already known as an apostle of American music, he had established his Wa-Wan Press in 1901 to publish works of American composers.

Then between 1903 and 1907, he made four cross-country trips, lecturing on the need to develop a national style of music and playing his own piano pieces based on Native American themes. Not stopping there, he spearheaded a national organization - the American Music Society - with centers in various cities in order to promote the country's composers at the grass roots.

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Farwell's writings offer rich insight into a remarkable visionary and crusader for American music. As the centerpiece for this collection, "Wanderjahre of a Revolutionist" provides a colorful, firsthand view of his tireless efforts. Also included are eight other journalistic essays which reveal Farwell as an original, often audacious, voice that frequently collided with the musical establishment.

Farwell's discourse raises key issues of America's musical life in his day while capturing an engaging view of the milieu.