Author
Carl Van Vechten
1880-1964
Carl Van Vechten (1880-1964) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Carl Van Vechten
The Music of Spain
"The Music of Spain" by Carl Van Vechten is a comprehensive exploration of Spanish music, written in the early 20th century. This work serves as both an introductory essay and a commentary on the development and significance of various musical forms within Spain, highlighting its unique cultural contributions to the global musical landscape. Van Vechten’s aim is to illuminate Spanish music for a broader audience and discuss its historical context, from folk music to the zarzuela, illustrating how it intertwines with the national identity of Spain. The opening of "The Music of Spain" presents the author’s reflection on the scarcity of English-language resources regarding Spanish music and the challenges faced in accessing and documenting it. Van Vechten discusses the past attempts to introduce Spanish operas to American audiences, emphasizing the fascination with Spanish influences in other composers' works. He sets a vibrant tone, suggesting a rich tapestry of cultural interactions in music, dance, and performance that characterizes the Iberian Peninsula. This introduction not only establishes the scope and intent of the book but also invites readers to appreciate the diversity and depth of Spain's musical heritage.
The Merry-Go-Round
"The Merry-Go-Round" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The work delves into themes surrounding aesthetics and taste, particularly focusing on the American appreciation (or lack thereof) for the arts and personal expression. One of the key characters that emerge is a mother preparing for her daughter Mildred's return, reflecting societal expectations and ideals of beauty and taste in the early 20th century. The opening of this work establishes Van Vechten's critical perspective on American culture, particularly concerning the role of decorators and the overly curated nature of wealth in domestic spaces. The piece paints a vivid portrait of a rich family's struggles with taste and authenticity, showcasing the disconnect between personal identity and the prescribed standards of luxury and decor. As the narrative unfolds, it alludes to the tension between genuine self-expression and the constraints of societal norms, exemplified through Mildred's delicate nature versus her extravagant surroundings. Overall, this introduction sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of art, beauty, and individualism in a rapidly changing America.
Music after the great war, and other studies
"Music After the Great War" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This work explores the evolution of music in the aftermath of World War I, reflecting on various composers and styles, along with the cultural implications of these musical developments. The essays address prominent figures in music history and critique the future directions that art music may take following the war. At the start of the collection, Van Vechten discusses the transformative impact of the Great War on the world of art and music, arguing that traditional forms have become outdated and predicting a shift towards more primitive and disharmonic musical expressions. He provides insights into the thoughts of contemporary figures, like Leo Stein, and critiques the decline of German music while advocating for the potential of Russian and other new compositions. Van Vechten anticipates a post-war musical landscape that reflects the intensity of collective suffering and a movement away from established norms, highlighting composers like Igor Stravinsky as leading figures in this coming musical renaissance.
Peter Whiffle : $b His life and works
"Peter Whiffle: His Life and Works" by Carl Van Vechten is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the enigmatic figure of Peter Whiffle, exploring his unconventional philosophies on art and life, as well as his relationships with various artists and intellectuals. Through the lens of Van Vechten’s friendship with Whiffle, readers can expect a deep dive into the complexities of artistic ambition and the creative process. The opening of this narrative introduces us to the aftermath of Peter Whiffle's death, which went largely unnoticed by the public. The narrator, who has been named Whiffle’s literary executor, reflects on their friendship and the unique bond they shared, characterized by deep conversations and artistic inspiration. Despite Whiffle's lack of published works, he had a profound influence on those around him, leaving behind a legacy of ideas and fragmented thoughts. The narrative then transitions into a more vivid account of characters and settings, as the protagonist recounts his experiences in Paris, recounting encounters with figures like Martha, an artist, and the eccentric Peter, who is consumed by his own artistic anxieties and creative aspirations, setting the tone for an exploration of the interplay between art, life, and existential reflection.
Interpreters
"Interpreters" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of biographical essays about notable opera singers and their artistry, written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and careers of various interpreters in the lyric arts, focusing notably on Olive Fremstad, Geraldine Farrar, and Mary Garden. It provides insight into their struggles, personalities, and the nuances of their performances, offering a glimpse into the world of opera during this transformative period. The opening of the work centers around Olive Fremstad, detailing her tumultuous journey as a singer, her challenges with voice and performance, and the vigorous effort she invests in her characterizations. It describes how, despite her talent and intensity, she faces criticism and struggle with certain roles that her immense talent nonetheless shines through. This introductory section sets the tone for the book, which is marked by a deep appreciation for the art of performance and the complexities faced by those who interpret it, highlighting both personal struggles and artistic triumphs within the grand tapestry of opera.
Music and bad manners
"Music and Bad Manners" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of essays on music and musical culture, written in the early 20th century. The book explores the intersection of music and social behavior, delving into anecdotes, critical commentary, and historical reflections. Its likely central focus is on the quirks, controversies, and evolving practices within the world of Western music as observed around the turn of that century. Readers can expect lively accounts of musicians, audiences, performance etiquette, and cultural phenomena related to music, presented with wit and insight rather than as a systematic treatise. The opening of "Music and Bad Manners" sets a conversational and anecdotal tone, beginning with a witty assertion that musicians, singers, and even audiences are famously ill-mannered. The author recounts stories, both historical and modern, about musicians’ eccentricities and the unruly behavior of concertgoers, highlighting incidents ranging from on-stage outbursts to composers poking fun at musical conventions. This section also contains reflections on the changing nature of audience responses and the bravura—and sometimes obstinacy—of performers, illustrated with colorful examples from the opera and concert stage. Subsequent essays transition into topics like the lack of original music for early cinema, the influence of Spanish music, and the difficulties in defining national musical identity, all showcased with engaging storytelling and a critical, amused perspective.
The blind bow-boy
The blind bow-boy by Carl Van Vechten is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows Harold Prewett, a sheltered heir whose estranged father hires a scandal-tinged tutor to initiate him into “life” beyond college. Moving through Jazz Age New York—from salons to sideshows—the story contrasts the allure of a witty bohemian set led by Campaspe Lorillard with the fragile innocence of Alice Blake, promising a sharp, stylish comedy of manners about experience, desire, and self‑invention. The opening of the novel introduces Harold at a first, awkward meeting with his wealthy father, George Prewett, a cloak‑and‑suit magnate who blames college for misfitting him and vows to “unteach” his son by placing him under Paul Moody, a charming reprobate located via an advertisement seeking “good character but no moral sense.” George installs Harold in his own apartment with a worldly valet, Oliver Drains, and unlimited funds, instructing him to live as he pleases for a year. Flashbacks sketch Harold’s girl‑guarded Connecticut childhood with his eccentric Aunt Sadi and his isolated small‑college years, marked by the taunt “Cloaks and Suits.” In the city, Harold helps the tearful Alice Blake after a taxi accident and accompanies her to Jefferson Market court, where she insists on paying the truck driver’s fine with Harold’s money before retreating to her strict home. Finally, Paul’s circle—Campaspe, an incisive, feline hostess; Bunny, an avant‑garde composer; and John, a jovial broker—sweep Harold into cocktails, salon talk, and a whirlwind trip to Coney Island, where Campaspe voices a cool credo of worldly adaptability as the neon carnival becomes Harold’s first lesson in modern life.