Vincent Persichetti

Reviews / Votes

The appearance of this book-the first comprehensive biography of the composer-is an auspicious occasion. . . . [The book] reflects an extensive amount of research, providing a good deal of general background information within which to understand and appreciate the context from which Persichetti emerged; his family history, the musical life of Philadelphia, and the many musicians who played significant roles within his life. . . . Hopefully, Olmstead's book will be a significant contribution to a growing interest in this composer, who is arguably one of the greatest America has produced. - Walter Simmons * Fanfare Magazine * Olmstead has been a crucial chronicler of late twentieth century American concert music. In a new biography of Vincent Persichetti, she provides not only an account of the life and times of one of the most important composer-teachers of that time, but above all a stimulus to reconsider and reevaluate his work. Especially welcome is Olmstead's recreation of his vivid personality, the naturalness of his gifts, and his varied and colorful friendships with his colleagues. -- John H. Harbison, composer, professor of music, Massachusetts Institute of Technology This comprehensive biography of Vincent Persichetti, by one of his longtime colleagues at The Juilliard School, admirably serves both the composer's memory and his music. Olmstead's book includes a thorough examination of 167 opus-numbered works by a distinguished composer whose music is now gaining a fairer measure of reevaluation. No one who seeks a clear picture of the history of twentieth-century American concert music, sacred no less than secular, should fail to discover this book -- Mark DeVoto, professor of music, emeritus, Tufts University Olmstead's book brings some order to Persichetti's joyful and frenetic life as a composer and artist. She is at here best when she supplies important context and biographical details. . . I also enjoy her no-holds-barred accounts of professional teacher-colleagues. . .I hope that this book will stimulate further interest in his work from performers and scholars---and that I get a chance to make my own contribution. * American Record Guide *