Choral Music in the Twentieth Century.

[website] Choral Music in the Twentieth Century, by Nick Strimple. Amadeus Press, LLC (512 Newark Pompton Plains Tpke., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444), 2005. 389pp. $18.95.

Nick Strimple's Choral Music in the Twentieth Century is a scholarly examination of choral art during the 100 years ending in 2000. Everyone with a love of choral music--whether composer, conductor, singer or just fond admirer--should have this eloquent book in their library. Strimple, a gifted and articulate writer, has produced a volume that is easy, enjoyable and enlightening to read.

The beginning overview gives the reader an outline of the varied paths that developed on each of the continents. Strimple has an expansive knowledge of styles, past and contemporary influences, evolutionary change and historical importance of numerous choral masterpieces. Starting with the remnants of the 19th century, the chronological survey in each chapter, by country, and sometimes by ethnicity, is confirming evidence of Strimple's lifelong study of the literature.

His attention to political and religious impositions on music and musicians in the 20th century is meticulous and carefully documented. He quotes from recent scholarship such as Michael H. Kater's research on music in Nazi Germany, "The Twisted Muse," among others.

The extensive portions on choral music, other than Europe and North America, include the Pacific Rim, Middle East, Africa and Latin countries. This is particularly valuable to choral musicians endeavoring to diverge but having little exposure to the vocal music of non-Western societies.

Strimple conscientiously covers each country's most prestigious choral composers, though I was surprised to see no mention of Harry Somers or Oskar Morawetz, two of Canada's reputable masters. He brings attention to little known gems by Jewish composers, some recognized more for their orchestral and chamber works than music for vocal ensembles. His critique of the introduction into recent Protestant worship "music based on the most obvious and least thought-provoking aspects of American popular music," is expositive and perceptive.

The annotated works list is valuable and the bibliography is a windfall of scholarly sources. Finally, the strongest endorsement I can offer is that this text is required reading for my graduate students. Reviewed by James Dearing, NCTM, Indiana, Pennsylvania.

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