Bravo for this enlightening overview of the complex compositional background to some of the country's most memorable old songs. Your work in general, but especially your recent deep dives (of Foster, of Ives...) are wonderfully engaging lessons in music history. Can't wait for your next one!
Thank you for a brilliant documentary. I learned a great deal about a composer I had only scant knowledge of. The statue belongs in a museum, obviously, along with other artifacts of questionable perspective - with an explanation of its history. As important as it us to affirm the good parts of our history, it's equally important not to forget the bad.
I've never known about Foster before your video. I really am fascinated with songwriters and g, this is amazing. It's far beyond the scope of your normal classical stuff you did incredible research here. And it makes me proud to be a subscriber to your channel, Thomas thank you.
I've always been fascinated by Stephen Foster. I live within walking distance of his "old Cincinnati home", haha. I don't think it's quite fair to look back with today's eyes and ask, "Should he have been an activist?" - he was trying to make a buck.
Foster is a very underrated composer and had a deep impact on American music. He reminds me a lot of Franz Schubert not just the similarity of music and song’s and possibly a huge influence on Foster. Both Schubert and Foster died young and were very shy and had to adapt their songs to the ever changing society and culture
Would be a better video without the isms. Try to understand contextually and with real perception instead of in a detached objective, academic correctness.
Dang, didn't know I have been hearing his songs for years now. This has been informative. On another note, I was wondering if you are going to redo the Scriabin video. I think four minutes is not enough to describe him. Keep up the good work!
Wow, didn't see this got uploaded... I'll have to watch it as soon as I can! While I'm commenting, could you do a video on Charles Koechlin? I've been fascinated by his music recently
Appreciate your attempted to grapple with and confront the difficult social and racial history of American culture while trying to keep an eye on the larger narrative about American art and music. Everything in our country is tainted by our shameful history, music included, but we absolutely pay attention and learn about it. Nice video. I love the guests!
now that you have kyle gann's contact how about a video on robert ashley or other members of the once group? there are no videos about ashley on youtube and he deserves so much better!
