The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
A Biography
by Michael Hicks
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Pub Date Feb 28 2015 | Archive Date Mar 16 2015
Description
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.
Michael Hicks is a professor of music at Brigham Young University and the author of Mormonism and Music: A History and Sixties Rock: Garage, Psychedelic, and Other Satisfactions.
Advance Praise
"This fascinating, honest account should find many eager readers among the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's millions of fans. Michael Hicks combines the accuracy of a fine historian with the sensitivity of a judicious music critic."--Daniel Walker Howe, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author of What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815–1848
"An invaluable retelling of one of America's most vibrant and important musical institutions."--Eric Whitacre
"This engagingly written book not only charts the history of an American institution, but also creatively uses the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s biography to illuminate two centuries of US cultural and religious history."--Todd Kerstetter, author of God's Country, Uncle Sam's Land: Faith and Conflict in the American West
"This much needed account of perhaps the most important of Mormon distinctives is exceedingly well done. Read and enjoy."--Jan Shipps, author of Sojourner in the Promised Land: Forty Years among the Mormons
"A fascinating history of the wonderful Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Michael Hicks traces the story of this great ensemble from its early days to its current status as one of the world's great choirs. He highlights the remarkable dedication and musicianship of the choir members through the years, and the leadership and vision of the conductors."--David Hurley, member of The King's Singers
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9780252039089 |
| PRICE | $29.95 (USD) |
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