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Full text of this paper is not available in the ETD Center. Copies may be available for inter-library loan from University of Cincinnati or may be available for purchase from Proquest/UMI

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THE AMERICAN COMPOSERS FORUM AND ITS IMPACT ON CHORAL MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES

Speer, Randall C.

Abstract Details

2001, DMA, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music : Conducting, Choral Emphasis.
The American Composers Forum (ACF, previously the Minnesota Composers Forum) is currently the largest composer service organization in the United States, based on membership and budget. By its own account, the organization has been extremely successful meeting its goals of connecting composers with listening public, and of assisting in career development of its member composers, especially "emerging" composers (those without national reputation). This study sought to provide a cultural and historical context for the ACF's establishment and growth. Key to the organization's corporate success are its three basic tenets: an inclusive approach to membership; a commitment to establish (or re-establish) connection between composers, performers and audiences; and a broad obligation to assist composers at whatever their respective levels of career development. These underlying principles were present at the founding of the Minnesota Composers Forum in 1973 by composers Libby Larsen and Stephen Paulus. Through grassroots, the organization's tripartite platform launched the organization into the national arena (and a subsequent name change), and it continues to underlie the ACF's wide array of offerings to American composers. It is recognized that corporate success does not necessarily equate with artistic success. Consequently, the ACF's various programs are examined from the perspective of composer-perceived national issues, especially issues that pertain to choral music. Choral selections by six ACF composers (Libby Larsen, Stephen Paulus, Carol Barnett, Randall Davidson, Anne Kilstofte, and Kurt Erickson) are described in order to represent a level of artistry and craftsmanship offered by a few composers recognized to be among the best ACF has to offer. The organization's inclusive approach to styles and membership, coupled with its Minnesota roots, places an unprecedented emphasis on choral music. Although at this point it may be too early to tell the full impact of the ACF on new music in the United States, by many appearances the organization has positioned itself well to at least have some impact, especially within choral music.
Robert Zierolf (Advisor)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Speer, R. C. (2001). THE AMERICAN COMPOSERS FORUM AND ITS IMPACT ON CHORAL MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin991236396

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Speer, Randall. THE AMERICAN COMPOSERS FORUM AND ITS IMPACT ON CHORAL MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES. 2001. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin991236396.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Speer, Randall. "THE AMERICAN COMPOSERS FORUM AND ITS IMPACT ON CHORAL MUSIC IN THE UNITED STATES." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2001. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin991236396

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)