Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2017

Department 1

Civil War Era Studies

Department 2

History

Abstract

Just seventy years ago, a Fortune poll reported that 62 percent of Americans listened to classical music, 40 percent could identify Arturo Toscanini as an orchestral conductor, and nine million listeners (11 percent of American households) tuned in to weekly Metropolitan Opera broadcasts from New York City. Astonishing. The “grand orchestra,” wrote Charles Edward Russell in 1927, “has become our sign of honor among the nations.” (excerpt)

Required Publisher's Statement

Original version available online at https://www.firstthings.com/article/2017/01/play-american

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