Roy Harris was a prolific borrower of folk songs. Stehman treats Harris's work in chronological order and in divisions by genre, so references to borrowing can be found throughout the book. However, Stehman makes no attempt to differentiate between stylistic allusion, specific quotation, and simple arrangements. Several pieces are treated in more extended discussions, and these include explanations of how the folk songs are borrowed in the works. The Folksong Symphony serves as one of the examples of borrowing, as each of the seven movements draws on one or more folk melodies. This piece for orchestra and chorus involves some extensive manipulations of borrowed tunes, including fragmentation, canon, and fantasia-like effects. Harris's Tenth Symphony also makes use of a folk tune, as the third movement is based on When Johnny Comes Marching Home. Harris's only violin sonata is an example of his ability to use folk materials in an abstract way; the tune I'll Be True to My Love is subjected to development and variations. Stehman also discusses Harris's self-borrowing (187) and his use of folk music in pieces for solo piano (225-26) without going into detail about any one work.

Works: Harris: Folksong Symphony (72-79), Tenth Symphony (124-31), Pere Marquette Symphony (137-44), Violin Sonata (210-11).

Index Classifications: 1900s

Contributed by: Jessica Sternfeld