In this Book
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir: A Biography
- Book
- 2015
- Published by: University of Illinois Press
- Series: Music in American Life
summary
A first-of-its-kind history, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir tells the epic story of how an all-volunteer group founded by persecuted religious outcasts grew into a multimedia powerhouse synonymous with the mainstream and with Mormonism itself.
Drawing on decades of work observing and researching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Michael Hicks examines the personalities, decisions, and controversies that shaped "America's choir." Here is the miraculous story behind the Tabernacle's world-famous acoustics, the anti-Mormonism that greeted early tours, the clashes with Church leaders over repertoire and presentation, the radio-driven boom in popularity, the competing visions of rival conductors, and the Choir's aspiration to be accepted within classical music even as Mormons sought acceptance within American culture at large. Everything from Billboard hits to TV appearances to White House performances paved the way for Mormonism's crossover triumph. Yet, as Hicks shows, such success raised fundamental concerns regarding the Choir's mission, functions, and image.
Drawing on decades of work observing and researching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Michael Hicks examines the personalities, decisions, and controversies that shaped "America's choir." Here is the miraculous story behind the Tabernacle's world-famous acoustics, the anti-Mormonism that greeted early tours, the clashes with Church leaders over repertoire and presentation, the radio-driven boom in popularity, the competing visions of rival conductors, and the Choir's aspiration to be accepted within classical music even as Mormons sought acceptance within American culture at large. Everything from Billboard hits to TV appearances to White House performances paved the way for Mormonism's crossover triumph. Yet, as Hicks shows, such success raised fundamental concerns regarding the Choir's mission, functions, and image.
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- Introduction
- pp. ix-xiii
- 1. Books and Angels
- pp. 1-18
- 2. Buildings and Professors
- pp. 19-34
- 3. “My Tabernacle ‘Mormon’ Choir”
- pp. 35-61
- 4. The Power of the Air
- pp. 62-96
- 5. From within the Shadow
- pp. 97-121
- 6. A Cultural Necessity
- pp. 122-147
- 7. Soft Sell
- pp. 148-171
- 8. The Endless Postlude
- pp. 172-186
Additional Information
ISBN
9780252097065
Related ISBN(s)
9780252039089
MARC Record
OCLC
903246046
Pages
248
Launched on MUSE
2015-02-24
Language
English
Open Access
No
Copyright
2015