Alec Wilder - American Popular Song : Book Review

"Alec Wilder: American Popular Song" is a captivating and enlightening biography that delves into the life and work of renowned American composer Alec Wilder. In this comprehensive exploration, author Philip Lambert offers a deep insight into Wilder's musical career and his significant contributions to the development of American popular song.

Lambert begins by providing a detailed overview of Wilder's early life, shining a light on his exceptional musical talent and passion from a young age. The book then delves into his extensive training and education in classical composition, which greatly influenced his unique approach to popular music. Through Lambert's skillful portrayal, Wilder emerges as a highly skilled and versatile composer, effortlessly blending elements of jazz, classical, and popular music in his compositions.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on Wilder's compositional process. Lambert offers valuable insights into Wilder's creative mindset and the techniques he employed to craft his remarkable and diverse body of work. Through meticulous research and analysis, Lambert unveils the intricacies of Wilder's music, revealing the depth and complexity that lie behind his seemingly simple melodies.

In addition to delving into his musical achievements, the book also sheds light on the personal life of Alec Wilder, painting a multifaceted portrait of the man behind the music. Lambert explores Wilder's personal struggles, relationships, and their impact on his creative output. This humanizes Wilder, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level and making his music all the more relatable and meaningful.

Overall, "Alec Wilder: American Popular Song" is an engaging and enlightening read for both fans of Wilder's music and those interested in the history of American popular song. Lambert's thorough research, engaging writing style, and profound understanding of Wilder's music make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to further explore the life and contributions of this influential composer.

What are readers saying?

Philip Lambert's book, "Alec Wilder: American Popular Song," received a mixed reception from readers, with varying opinions about its merits. In general, the book was praised for its in-depth examination of the life and work of Alec Wilder, an influential composer and songwriter. Many readers found the detailed analysis of Wilder's music and the accompanying biographical information to be valuable. The book was considered a valuable resource for those interested in studying American popular song and its history.

Lambert's writing style was commended by several reviewers for its ability to present complex musical concepts in an accessible manner. Readers appreciated learning about Wilder's unique fusion of classical and popular music styles in his songwriting. Lambert's exploration of Wilder's creative process and the various influences on his music was also well-received.

The inclusion of comments from Wilder's colleagues and contemporaries added depth to the book, providing valuable insights into his life and work. Additionally, Lambert's extensive research and use of primary sources were seen as strengths of the book, allowing for a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Wilder's contributions to American music.

However, some readers felt that the book was too focused on technical musical terminology, making it less accessible to those without a musical background. A few reviewers also found certain sections to be dry or overly academic in nature, suggesting that a more engaging and captivating narrative could have been employed.

Overall, "Alec Wilder: American Popular Song" was well-received, particularly by those with an interest in musicology and American popular song. The book's comprehensive exploration of Wilder's life and music, combined with Lambert's extensive research and valuable insights, makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to delve into the world of Alec Wilder and his significant contributions to American music.

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