RADIO SHOW GOES AWRY

Ives Faces Facts About Father

By OLIN DOWNES
It was my privilege to be invited to
Barry Gray’s New York WMCA radio show
last Thursday, April 27th. However,
unbeknownst to me, I was not alone.
Composer Charles Ives, a native of
Danbury Connecticut, sat next to me as
Gray queried us over our upcoming works.
I spoke of the collect of musical criticisms
that I am later publishing, while Ives
attempted to pitch his autobiography—
Charles Ives: The Answered Question. Well, it
seemed to be time for Ives to answer some
questions of my own.
First, he spoke of his bandmaster
father, George E. Ives. Since there is no
proof of Ives’ claims, I expressed my
concerns and they were not well received,
for lack of a better phrase. I have studied
composition works by his father, and knew
they were not impressive enough to be
inspiring.
The true identity of America cannot
be satisfied by Ives’ music, and he knew it.
He admitted to be learned by a European
education, which is apparent in the
structure of his works. Ives became heated,
and Gray quickly attempted to dilute the
situation.
This is a radio show I do not want to
repeat. My apologies are extended to Mr.
Barry Gray for the uncomfortable
interview.