"The Ellington Century" by David Schiff

[Ian Thumwood]

I've just started to read this book which I've had around the house since last summer and picked it up to make a change from history. The author sets out in this book to establish Ellington as one of the pre-eminent composers of the last Century. I understand that the origins of the book stemmed from a provocative magazine article that the author submitted but which was ultimately pulled by the editor as being too controversial.

I would be curious if anyone else has read this book. I'm a couple of chapters in and instead of a thought provoking argument (with perhaps evidence of his tongue being firmly in his cheek) this is a turgid read which seems to be as much about Schoenberg as Ellington. The arguments in favour of Ellington aren't too convincing yet I suppose it will lead me to explore his music afresh. That said, this book is very much pseud's corner and written in the worst kind of American gibberish. The writing style is a bit annoying. I'm 35 pages in and already "Adele Blanc Sec" is looking more promising. I'll press on with it yet I'm afraid that this author seems to be using his comprehensive knowledge of the last century's music to show off. Hopefully it will improve but I'm not too convinced......

[Quarky]

Thanks for reminding me of this book Ian - I do recall your mentioning it some while back.

Much to my surprise "I just bought: 'The Ellington Century' by David Schiff www.amazon.co.uk" - a second hand copy ordered, but I doubt whether I will read it more than once.

Any musical conclusions I think will be totally fatuous and daft. The "Look Inside" gives the example of Such Sweet Thunder, and compares this with Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill, Stravinsky's Agon, and West Side Story.

But as far as I am concerned, it will be a useful snapshot of what was going on in the USA in musical terms in the 20th Century. If nothing else, a useful primer on American slang, and a good laugh!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I don't know the Ellington book, but I have Schiff's survey of the Music of Elliott Carter, which is excellent - not an easy read, and one to be dipped into rather than read through; but certainly not pretentious or pseudy. Maybe he's happier talking about and discussing stuff from the "classical/Modernist" tradition?

A pity: the title's excellent!

[Quarky]

I don't know the Ellington book, but I have Schiff's survey of the Music of Elliott Carter, which is excellent - not an easy read, and one to be dipped into rather than read through; but certainly not pretentious or pseudy. Maybe he's happier talking about and discussing stuff from the "classical/Modernist" tradition?

A pity: the title's excellent!

At last this book arrived through the post. Not at all what I expected, something like "The Rest is Noise".
It seems a very serious book about the Duke, and unfortunately a great deal will be over my head. As he says in the preface "Instead of doing battle with history, I would write a nonhistory. .......I would talk about music in terms of colour, rhythm, melody and harmony.......identify music by Ellington that exemplifies expressive and technical pursuits shared with many other composers"
That seems to me a valid starting point. Whether he achieves his aims I would be interested to know.

The first chapter where he compares Blue Light with Basie's Blues in the Dark and Bechet's Blue Horizon is full of intersting insights as far as I am concerned. Obviously a brilliant mind - he is saying what he wants to say, and I like what he's saying.
Well I will give it an extended read - it won't be any worse than than puzzling over the Alphabetic Associations thread!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

- it won't be any worse than than puzzling over the Alphabetic Associations thread!

- should ever "Which B connects light and dark horizons?" I'll keep schtum!

[Ian Thumwood]

Oddball

I've parked this book for a while as I really can't get on with it. The chapter you mention is interesting although I'm not convinced by Schiff's arguments. The next section seems to be more about Schoenberg than Ellington and as much about painting as music.

The argument presented is nowhere near as clear as other "academic" books by the likes of Schuller (despite the fact that some of his conclusions are eccentric and not necessarily informed by good history) and Jeffrey Magee. Schiff is a bit too contrived and the arguments he presents (so far) are a bit scatty. I will pick this book up later and finish it but I 'm not convinced my opinion will change much.