Randall Thompson: A Bio-Bibliography

Whe n Randall Thompson died in 1984, America lost one of its most distinguished musicians. At the time of his death, it was already apparent that an assessment of his varied contributions to American musical life in the context of his contemporary generation was sorely needed. Randall Thompson: A Bio-Bibliography is the first comprehensive study of Thompson’s oeuvre since his death. The volume is organized into five parts, beginning with a substantial biography written by David Francis Urrows, Thompson’s final student and amanuensis. Urrows presents new information on Thompson’s youth, his study in Italy and the influence of Malipiero on his work, his educational and compositional philosophy, and his role in the emergence of American music from the influence of European models. Benser’s most complete catalogue of works compiled to date follows. This list includes previously unpublished composistions, particularly those nearly made available by Thompson’s longtime publisher, E.C. Schrimer, and new recordings made by Bay Cities Music. A sampling of prose writings by Thompson offers a ecclectic overview. The complete, extensively annotated bibliography, discography, and two appendixes that list Thompson’s compositions chronologically and alphabetically complete this study. Music libraries may want to add this volume to their collections. It should also be a valuable reference for choral directors, programme note annotators, and American music enthusiasts.