I have had this book since it was originally published in 1972. I keep it because it is an insightful commentary on some of America's greatest composers, Rodgers, Kern, Gershwin, etc. I would have to agree with Mr. Wilder that Richard Rodgers' music represents "the highest degree of consistent excellence, inventiveness, and sophistication." And since Mr. Wilder is himself a fine composer, he should know. He supports his opinions with intelligent, knowledgeable analysis.
People seem to have a knee jerk reaction whenever the name "Gershwin" is mentioned, but I agree with Mr. Wilder's assessment that RICHARD RODGERS' music was the most CONSISTENTLY masterful in the history of musical theater. Rodgers' range was incredible from the playful jazziness of "Manhattan" and "Lady is a Tramp" to the sophistication of "If I Loved You" and the lesser known, "Do I Hear A Waltz". Rodgers was an astonishing talent. Rodgers even wrote the lyrics and music to the lovely musical "No Strings". I get so tired of only hearing about Gershwin's greatness. Rodgers was every bit as good, if not better than Gershwin. I think Rodgers gets penalized at times because not only was his music great, but it was very accessible and popular with everyday audiences. A part of Gershwin's music strikes me as somewhat pretentions as are some of the tunes in "Porgy and Bess" and "An American In Paris". Rodgers seems to touch a familiar cord with audiences young and old, from generation to generation. As I video store owner, I know that people were willing to pay $50 or more for an out of print edition of the video "Sound of Music". None of my other videos could fetch such a good price.
