Synopsis

In all, American composer Henry Cowell composed 20 symphonies, and left sketches for a 21st. On today’s date in 1954, the Louisville Orchestra gave the premiere of Cowell’s Symphony No. 11 (The Seven Rituals of Music).

“There are seven rituals of music in the life of man from birth to death,” so Cowell explained in program notes. He said that these musical rituals included work, play, dance, love, and war, bracketed by the mysteries of birth and death.

Although interest in Cowell’s music has risen steadily since his death in 1965, performances of his symphonies are still rare events. Part of the problem lies in the eclectic range of styles to be found in his music. There is, for example, a Cowell Gaelic Symphony, another Icelandic Symphony, and yet another, influenced by Indian ragas and talas, the Madras Symphony.

This didn’t bother Cowell at all. As he once explained, “I have never deliberately concerned myself with developing a distinctive personal style, but only with the excitement and pleasure of writing music as beautifully, as warmly, and as interestingly as I can.”

Music Played in Today's Program

Henry Cowell (1897-1965): Symphony No. 11 (Seven Rituals of Music); The Louisville Orchestra; Robert S. Whitney, conductor; First Editions 0003