Another Look at Henry Cowell
Friday, January 29, 2010
-
Conductor and musicologist Leon Botstein (Steve J. Sherman)
Conductor and musicologist Leon Botstein has made a specialty of tracking down forgotten gems in music. His latest venture focuses on the music of Henry Cowell, a revolutionary composer who helped create a modernist American music. Botstein talks about the neglect of Cowell’s work, his life as president of Bard College, and his work with an educational project in American prisons.
Maestro Leon Botstein conducts the American Symphony Orchestra in an all-Henry Cowell concert at Avery Fisher Hall, tonight at 8 pm.
Maestro Leon Botstein conducts the American Symphony Orchestra in an all-Henry Cowell concert at Avery Fisher Hall, tonight at 8 pm.
Comments [5]
To Joan from Lower Manhattan:
President Botstein and Bard College are affiliated with the Bard Prison Initiative. Questions about giving to the program are available at www.bard.edu/bpi.
It was the outgoing lame duck Governor of California Culbert Olson, a Democrat, who was responsible for Henry Cowell's pardon, NOT Earl Warren. Warren ran on a "law-and-order" platform and specifically attacked Olson's paroling record and just 2 weeks before the election made a point that 500 of the parolees were sex offenders. On Nov. 4, 1942 Warren defeated Olson by 15 points. In the interim period Olson recommended to the parol board that Henry Cowell be granted a parol, but this was rejected. On the same day of the rejection Charles Seeger wrote a compelling letter to Olson. With just 3 weeks left in his term Olson overrode the parol board and granted Cowell unconditional clemency--citing Seeger's letter, numerous character references of friends and the evaluation of doctors. (see Michael Hicks, "The Imprisonment of Henry Cowell" JAMS, Spring 1991)
The Cowell concert was so pleasurable. The Orchestra so engaged as was the audience. One the most refreshing evenings I've had at Lincoln Center. Mr. Botstein should receive even more attention and appreciation than he gets.
Here's a link to the Bard Prison Initiative
http://www.bard.edu/bpi/
Bravo, Leon Botstein. To which prison(s) does Mr. Botstein contribute? Is there someone to get in touch with at those facilities on donations?
The words on H. Cowell were much appreciated.
JW
We should all be thankful for people like Mr. Botstein to revive neglected works. Yes, some aren't masterpieces and others are, but it's important classical music remains a dynamic art form that's always evolving.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.