Geography of Music
Maps help illuminate the relationships among the various composers as well as connections between music and its broader historical and cultural context. In particular, they can show the importance of geography: the physical and cultural environments that influenced the music, from European capitals to the Americas. This is not a comprehensive atlas of music, but it will help connect some of our "Keeping Score" composers to each other and to the world around them. Select a time period and begin your journey.
American composer Charles Ives created his "Holidays" Symphony as a haunting sonic portrait of New England at the turn of the 20th century, at turns sentimental and chaotic. Michael Tilson Thomas explores the riddle of Ives the loyal son and businessman versus Ives the musical maverick who made listeners confront their understanding of what music could be. The program is filmed in New England and New York City. Watch a preview.