I have a distinct memory of the first time that I heard the music of Charles Ives. In graduate school, I stumbled across "Putnam's Camp, Redding Connecticut" from Three Places in New England. . . It was like nothing else that I'd ever heard! I vividly remember laughing out loud at the music's joyful vitality. I'd never heard music that contained so much: it was raucous and rowdy, but it was also as fleeting and evanescent as a dream. Ives seemed to have captured the wondrous flux and confusion of life. It grabbed me by the collar, and shouted: "Hey, you! You're alive!"
Why Did I Build This Site?
I built this site because I love Ives' music, and I wanted to share my experience of his music with others. I am not a musician or a musicologist. I'm not qualified--in the academic sense--to speak about Ives and his music. I have worked hard to ensure that the facts accurate, but I've leaned heavily on Ives scholars for the facts. So, first and foremost, I am a fan, a listener who is interested in learning more about Ives and his music.
A few other reasons that I built the site:
- I think Ives' music is still misunderstood--largely because it defies categorization. I'd like to think that I might contribute toward helping others understand what Ives was trying to do musically.
- I had the perfect excuse to go buy all of the Ives recordings that I've wanted for years.
- I began fiddling around with Dreamweaver and PhotoShop. This is what I made.
One last thought: I’d also be interested in hearing about your experience of Ives. I built this site in part to share my thoughts with others. But I also built it so others would share their thoughts with me! So write me! Why do you like Ives?
I listen to all sorts of music other than Ives. In fact, I take pride in having broad tastes in music. Click here if you'd like to look over a list of some of my other favorites. The list will give you a sense of where I'm coming from musically.
More About Me
My name is Scott Mortensen. I live in Marietta, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. I am married to Lynet, and we have four children.
I work for a bank that's based in Atlanta, and work on team that specializes in corporate communications. (I also have a master's degree in literature. Don't ask me why I work for a bank!) When I'm not at work, I like to spend time with my family, read, and listen to music.
If you'd like to contact me, my e-mail address is Scottkmort@hotmail.com. I'd love to hear about your experiences with Ives' music, your favorite recordings, concert reviews, etc. I'd also like to hear from you if you see any mistakes on the site.
Original text copyright © Scott Mortensen 2002-2006
This site is hosted by
Home | Reviews
| Composers
| Announcements
| Seen &
Heard | Societies