Critical and Historical EssaysLectures delivered at Columbia University

“Critical and Historical Essays” by Edward MacDowell is a collection of scholarly essays on music written in the early 20th century. The work encompasses MacDowell’s lectures delivered at Columbia University, delving into various historical and aesthetic aspects of music, reflecting his unique perspective as a composer and educator. This collection aims to educate readers on the evolution and significance of music through multiple cultural lenses, covering subjects from its origins to the connection between music and emotion. The opening of the collection introduces Edward MacDowell’s work as an educator, outlining his establishment of a music chair at Columbia University in 1896. It highlights his vision for music education, emphasizing both technical mastery and an appreciation for music’s historical context. In this segment, the text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of music’s origins, starting with a discussion on the initial emotional expressions that would eventually lead to the development of musical systems. MacDowell intends to illustrate the profound role of music in human culture and civilization, linking its evolution to the emotional and social developments of mankind.