In defence of bad taste -- Music and supermusic -- Edgar Saltus -- The new art of the singer -- Au bal musette -- Music and cooking -- An interrupted conversation -- The authoritative work on American music -- Old days and new -- Two young American playwrights [Avery Hopwood and Philip Moeller] -- De senectute cantorum -- Impressions in the theater: The land of joy, A note on Mimi Aguglia, The new Isadora, Margaret Anglin produces As you like it -- The modern composers at a glance.
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"The Merry-Go-Round" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The work delves into themes surrounding aesthetics and taste, particularly focusing on the American appreciation (or lack thereof) for the arts and personal expression. One of the key characters that emerge is a mother preparing for her daughter Mildred's return, reflecting societal expectations and ideals of beauty and taste in the early 20th century. The opening of this work establishes Van Vechten's critical perspective on American culture, particularly concerning the role of decorators and the overly curated nature of wealth in domestic spaces. The piece paints a vivid portrait of a rich family's struggles with taste and authenticity, showcasing the disconnect between personal identity and the prescribed standards of luxury and decor. As the narrative unfolds, it alludes to the tension between genuine self-expression and the constraints of societal norms, exemplified through Mildred's delicate nature versus her extravagant surroundings. Overall, this introduction sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of art, beauty, and individualism in a rapidly changing America. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 67.6 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
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