Sound Within Sound
Sound Within Sound: Radical Composers of the Twentieth Century by Kate Molleson is a galaxy that orbits my sweet spot where people do what they love regardless of reception or acclaim. Molleson writes big on the scale of Triumph.
After reading the second chapter that centers Ruth Crawford, I wondered if Molleson could continue her trajectory. Then I remembered I’d cheated and started with Eliane Radigue’s chapter near the end and knew she could.
And she did.
Writing and composers aside, another beauty of this book is that it’s chockerblock with rabbit holes. If you’re curious, you’ll be off to your trusty streaming service and exploring other bright lights and constellations peppered throughout. And don't get me started on its orange cover and bright pink endpages.
Of all my high hopes and expectations, though, I didn’t expect to find the perfect summation of my feelings about Lyndon Johnson having read Robert Caro’s books about him:
I hold my hands up and admit I am charmed by the zany audacity of [Julián] Carrillo's vision, however obnoxious Carrillo himself could be.
Perfection. Those words. This book.