Rudolph Ganz Patriotism and Standardization of The Star-Spangled Banner 1907-1958

<p>This book examines the succession of events toward the potential standardization of the music for “The Star-Spangled Banner” from an initial letter to President Roosevelt in 1907 to the 1958 congressional hearings on the National Anthem and the later work of the Swiss-Born American pianist Rudolph Ganz. These events took place across five decades when a culture of public patriotism was especially pronounced for immigrant musicians. This book contextualizes the complementary experiences of a leading immigrant musician Ganz who successfully navigated the world of public patriotism while pursuing the realization of a standardized version. The materials are discussed through the lens of the performance practice.</p><p>The legacy of standardization has not previously been examined. The response and actions of an immigrant Ganz in a culture of necessary patriotism for foreign-born artists shed important new light on this topic. It demonstrates the challenges fears and cultural expectations regarding the standardization of an important patriotic work.</p>