The Musical Quarterly: America's Oldest Academic Music Journal
In the realm of musicology—the scholarly study of music—few publications hold as much historical weight as The Musical Quarterly. Established over a century ago, it stands as the oldest academic journal dedicated to music in the United States, providing a rigorous platform for the analysis, history, and theory of musical arts.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1915 by Rudolph E. Schirmer Sr. and Oscar Sonneck.
- Current Publisher: Oxford University Press.
- Frequency: Published quarterly.
- Current Editor: Leon Botstein.
- Scope: A wide variety of music-related academic topics.
A Century of Scholarly Excellence
The journal was originally conceived in 1915 through a collaboration between Rudolph E. Schirmer Sr. and Oscar Sonneck. Sonneck served as the primary editor from the journal's inception until his passing in 1928, setting the foundation for its academic rigor.
Over the decades, the publication has been guided by a succession of distinguished editors who shaped its intellectual direction. These include Carl Engel (1930–1944), Gustave Reese (1944–45), Paul Henry Lang (1945–1973), Joan Peyser (1977–1984), and Eric Salzman (1984–1991).
Since 1993, the editorial leadership has been held by Leon Botstein, who also serves as the president of Bard College and the principal conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra. While the journal was originally published by G. Schirmer, Inc., it is now published by the prestigious Oxford University Press.
Diverse Academic Contributions
From its earliest volumes, The Musical Quarterly has embraced a broad spectrum of musical inquiry. In its inaugural 1915 volume, the journal featured "The Study of Indian Music" by American anthropologist Frances Densmore. At the time of publication, the term "Indian music" referred specifically to Native American music.
The journal has also explored the intersection of music, poetry, and philosophy. Notable early contributions include the 1922 article "Poetry and the Composer" by Australian composer Ernest Henry Clark Oliphant, as well as "Music versus Materialism" by American author and composer Elise Fellows White.
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Publication Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0027-4631 |
| LCCN | 2004-235646 |
| JSTOR ID | 00274631 |
| OCLC Number | 53165498 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Music. Q. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Musical Quarterly founded?
The journal was established in 1915 by Rudolph E. Schirmer Sr. in collaboration with Oscar Sonneck.
Who is the current editor of the journal?
Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College and principal conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra, has been the editor since 1993.
Who publishes The Musical Quarterly today?
Although originally published by G. Schirmer, Inc., it is currently published by Oxford University Press.
What is the publication frequency of the journal?
The Musical Quarterly is published on a quarterly basis.
What topics does the journal cover?
The journal publishes articles on a wide variety of music topics, ranging from anthropological studies of Native American music to theoretical perspectives on the relationship between music, poetry, and materialism.