The idea for FIFTY-FIVE ART SONGS was conceived by Carl O.
Thompson, head of The Division of Fine and Applied Arts at the
State Teachers College, Bemidji, Minnesota. From his experience as
a choral conductor, he knew how much choral groups enjoyed the
chance to sing beautiful solos in unison instead of always being
confined to their individual parts. But this collection isn't
designed just for unison choral singing: It is equally valuable for
class or individual vocal teaching, for amateurs and professionals.
Sigmund Spaeth, well known for his writings, lectures, and radio
talks on music, collaborated with Dr. Thompson in assembling this
collection. He best describes its scope in the foreword: "This
book is a cross section of the entire literature of Art Song. Every
one of the 55 numbers is a classic of its kind and each is by a
different composer, which in itself makes the collection
unique." Also unique are Spaeth's new singable
translations of the German, French, Italian, and Russian songs.
