About the book
Between 1873 and 1935, reformers in Chicago used the power of music to unify the diverse peoples of the metropolis. These musical progressives emphasized the capacity of music to transcend differences among various groups. Sounds of Reform looks at the history of efforts to propagate this vision and the resulting encounters between activists and ethnic, immigrant, and working-class residents.
Musical progressives sponsored free concerts and music lessons at neighborhood parks and settlement houses, organized music festivals and neighborhood dances, and used the radio waves as part of an unprecedented effort to advance civic engagement. European classical music, ragtime, jazz, and popular American song all figured into the musical progressives' mission.
For residents with ideas about music as a tool of self-determination, musical progressivism could be problematic as well as empowering. The resulting struggles and negotiations between reformers and residents transformed the public culture of Chicago. Through his innovative examination of the role of music in the history of progressivism, Derek Vaillant offers a new perspective on the cultural politics of music and American society.
Editions of Sounds of Reform
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807828076
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854815
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862421
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890875594
Read an Excerpt
Between 1873 and 1935, reformers in Chicago used the power of music to unify the diverse peoples of the metropolis. These musical progressives emphasized the capacity of music to transcend differences among various groups. Sounds of Reform looks at the history of efforts to propagate this vision and the resulting encounters between activists and ethnic, immigrant, and working-class residents.
Musical progressives sponsored free concerts and music lessons at neighborhood parks and settlement houses, organized music festivals and neighborhood dances, and used the radio waves as part of an unprecedented effort to advance civic engagement. European classical music, ragtime, jazz, and popular American song all figured into the musical progressives' mission.
For residents with ideas about music as a tool of self-determination, musical progressivism could be problematic as well as empowering. The resulting struggles and negotiations between reformers and residents transformed the public culture of Chicago. Through his innovative examination of the role of music in the history of progressivism, Derek Vaillant offers a new perspective on the cultural politics of music and American society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sounds of Reform about?
Between 1873 and 1935, reformers in Chicago used the power of music to unify the diverse peoples of the metropolis. These musical progressives emphasized the capacity of music to transcend differences among various groups. Sounds of Reform looks at the history of efforts to propagate this vision and the resulting encounters between activists and ethnic, immigrant, and working-class residents.
Musical progressives sponsored free concerts and music lessons at neighborhood parks and settlement houses, organized music festivals and neighborhood dances, and used the radio waves as part of an unprecedented effort to advance civic engagement. European classical music, ragtime, jazz, and popular American song all figured into the musical progressives' mission.
For residents with ideas about music as a tool of self-determination, musical progressivism could be problematic as well as empowering. The resulting struggles and negotiations between reformers and residents transformed the public culture of Chicago. Through his innovative examination of the role of music in the history of progressivism, Derek Vaillant offers a new perspective on the cultural politics of music and American society.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Sounds of Reform?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Sounds of Reform?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807828076
How long is Sounds of Reform and how many pages does it have?
Sounds of Reform has 416 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Sounds of Reform?
Derek Vaillant
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Sounds of Reform is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807828076) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854815) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862421) and pdf(ISBN 9798890875594)
Where can I buy Sounds of Reform online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Sounds of Reform from below
Where can I buy Sounds of Reform?