Walter Frisch is H. Harold Gumm/Harry and Albert von Tilzer Professor of Music at Columbia University. He has written widely about music from the Austro-German sphere in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Frisch served as general editor of the series Western Music in Context from W. W. Norton, and as author of the series volume Music in the Nineteenth Century. His current research involves the music and career of American songwriter Harold Arlen.
In this remarkably brief yet fact-packed text, Frisch elegantly conjoins the many palimpsest identities of Over the Rainbow, all while summarizing nearly a century of history for readers. Though primarily intended for undergraduate students, performers, and inquisitive listeners, Frisch's insightful and accessible contribution may also interest academics in the fields of musicology, film, and theatre. -- Samantha M. Cooper , Society for American Music Bulletin Walter Frisch is that rare thing, a meticulous scholar who also writes wonderfully readable books. In Arlen and Harburg's Over the Rainbow, Frisch leads us on a journey that uncovers facts, theories, and anecdotes that even the most ardent fan of The Wizard of Oz will find fascinating. Altogether a revelatory book about the most beloved song from Hollywood's most beloved film. - Ken Bloom, author of Show and Tell: The New Book of Broadway Anecdotes Frisch's book is the best reflection to date on a popular song that is as classic as a lied by Schubert or Strauss. With its 'Additional sources for reading and listening,' it also fills any music lover's or scholar's need to know more about The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland, Harold Arlen, or popular song. The eight pages of notes and extensive index at the end also facilitate anyone wanting to do further research. --ARSC Journal