Discography

About

The first comprehensive Charles Ives discography, compiled by Richard Warren, was published in 1972. In the decades following, Warren, along with staff of the Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings, continued documenting newly released recordings of Ives’ music. With support from the Charles Ives Society, Kevin Sherwin completed compiling the discography to include recordings until 2019, and Nicholas Brewer edited and facilitated its online publication and search functions.

This online discography is a comprehensive and searchable list, presented in order of the table of contents listed below. For each composition, recordings are listed in chronological order. The table of contents is based on the structure of James Sinclair’s A Descriptive Catalogue of the Music of Charles Ives, which reflects the current catalogue of recordings of Charles Ives’ music. For more detailed explanations of the discography’s compilation and use of this website, please see the above links to the Preface and Usage Guide.

Table of Contents
I. Orchestra Music
i. Symphonies
ii. Other music for symphony orchestra
iii. Music for chamber or theatre orchestra
iv. Music for band
II. Chamber Music
i. String quartets
ii. Music for various combinations
iii. Sonatas for violin and piano
III. Keyboard Music
i. Piano sonatas
ii. Other music for piano
iii. Piano duets
iv. Organ music
IV. Choral Music
i. Cantata
ii. Other music for chorus and orchestra
iii. Sacred choral music
iv. Secular partsongs
V. Songs
i. A-E
ii. F-L
iii. M-R
iv. S-V
v. W-Y

Featured Recordings - World Premieres, First Recordings, and First Broadcasts

A SET OF THREE SHORT PIECES; i.LARGO CANTABILE;...
A SET OF THREE SHORT PIECES; i.LARGO CANTABILE; ii. SCHERZO; iii. ADAGIO CANTABILE (II-B-16) (84)

Recorded from broadcast of WABC, New York
i. See also HYMN; (i. only)
Notes on the Recording:
Announced as the first broadcast of any Ives composition (March 14, 1938), Ives’ Largo for Strings is performed by the Columbia Chamber Orchestra, conducted by early Ives champion Bernard Herrmann. The orchestra plays the lyrical lines of the composition with noticeable intensity, especially at moments of harmonic dissonance. As well, the ensemble occasionally speeds up and slows down the tempo to heighten the expressive effects of the music.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442293
Recording Date/Location:
March 14, 1938 (broadcast date) , New York City, NY
Performing Artists:
Columbia Chamber Orchestra; Bernard Herrmann, conductor
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038371200, 78 RPM Test Pressing.
A SYMPHONY: "NEW ENGLAND HOLIDAYS": i....
A SYMPHONY: "NEW ENGLAND HOLIDAYS": i. WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY; ii. DECORATION DAY; iii. THE FOURTH OF JULY; iv. THANKSGIVING (Text: O God! beneath Thy guiding hand . . .) (I-A-4) (5 (5i., 5ii., 5iii, 5iv.))
Text by Leonard Bacon
Recorded during a performance of the work in Washington, CT; (i., only)

Notes on the Recording:
This early Ives recording includes an excerpt from Washington’s Birthday, which begins at the Allegro at measure 56. Jo Hawthorne conducts the Cape Cod Symphony Society in an interpretation that highlights the folk-like atmosphere of the music. The orchestra plays with a graceful sense of rhythmic drive, frequently bringing out the quoted traditional melodies over the surrounding dissonant textures.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442451
Recording Date/Location:
August 22, 1941
Performing Artists:
Cape Cod Symphony Society; Jo Hawthorne, conductor
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038370806, 1/4 inch sound tape reel.
BERCEUSE (O'er the mountain toward the West...
BERCEUSE (O'er the mountain toward the West . . .) (VI-B-41-d) (220)
Text by the composer
Recorded from WNYC broadcast

Notes on the Recording:
The Works Progress Administration sponsored numerous radio broadcasts featuring American music, describing Charles Ives as “among the most original and extraordinary composers of America.” This program includes a live recital featuring Gretchen Gantvoort, soprano and Thomas Weil, piano, performing Ives’ “Berceuse.” In this early Ives recording, the listener can hear slight pauses in Gantvoort’s singing, which create moments of suspense and emphasis within her delivery of the text. As well, she sings with a notably wide dynamic range, as well as a quick, narrow vibrato throughout the piece.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442235
Recording Date/Location:
September 28, 1939, WPA Community Building, The World's Fair, NYC.
Performing Artists:
Gretchen Gantvoort, soprano; Thomas Weil, piano
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038371572, 78 RPM Test Pressing.
QUARTET, STRINGS, NO. 1: FROM THE SALVATION ARMY...
QUARTET, STRINGS, NO. 1: FROM THE SALVATION ARMY; i. CHORALE (later this movement was included in SYMPHONY NO. 4 and the other movements were renumbered); ii. PRELUDE; iii. OFFERTORY; iv. POSTLUDE (II-A-1) (57)

Recorded from WABC broadcast; (I & ii, arranged for string orchestra by Bernard Herrmann). Recorded from WABC broadcast. (ii & iii, arranged for string orchestra by Bernard Herrmann)

Notes on the Recording:
The String Quartet No. 1 is included in this radio broadcast from the 1940s, performed by members of the Columbia Concert Orchestra, conducted by early Ives champion, Bernard Herrmann. This performance of the quartet was also arranged for string orchestra by Herrmann. The recording displays spirited, rhythmical, and expressive playing throughout the movements. To match the musical contrasts over the course of the piece, the orchestra alternates between lyrical and articulate phrasing styles.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442452 , https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442453
Recording Date/Location:
March 16, 1943, New York City, NY.
Performing Artists:
Columbia Concert Orchestra; Bernard Herrmann, conductor
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038370814, 1/4 inch sound tape reel. Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038370822, 1/4 inch sound tape reel.
SET FOR THEATRE ORCHESTRA; i. IN THE CAGE; ii. IN...
SET FOR THEATRE ORCHESTRA; i. IN THE CAGE; ii. IN THE INN; iii. IN THE NIGHT (I-C-28) (20)

Recorded from broadcast of WABC, New York. (i. & iii. only)
i. see also THE CAGE; ii. see also SONATA, PIANO, NO. 1: ii/b
Notes on the Recording:
“In the Cage” and “In the Night” are included in this radio broadcast from the 1940s, performed by the Eastman Symphony, with Frederick Fennell conducting. To introduce Ives, the broadcaster says, “one is often startled to observe that the spirit of modernity is not necessarily the exclusive property of the young. The desire to break from tradition is a personal rather than a temporal characteristic… It is only at the present time that his [Ives’] compositions are meeting with general understanding.” In this early recording of Ives’ music, the orchestra plays with dark timbres along with a winding sense of pulse. Notably, the orchestra does not emphasize the complexity of the rhythms and metric changes. Rather, they create a continuous sound and blended rhythmic texture to evoke a haunting musical atmosphere.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442452
Recording Date/Location:
November 11, 1941, New York City, NY
Performing Artists:
Eastman School of Music Orchestra; Frederick Fennell, conductor
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038370814, 1/4 inch sound tape reel.
SONATA, VIOLIN & PIANO, NO. 3
SONATA, VIOLIN & PIANO, NO. 3 (II-C-6) (62)

Recorded from broadcast of WOR, New York (these artists performed the work in recitals in New York City November 11, 1946 & April 29, 1948).

Notes on the Recording:
The three movements of Ives’ Third Sonata for Violin & Piano are included on this ca. 1948 radio program of the Mutual Broadcasting System. Violinist Madeleine Carabo and pianist Carol Robinson offer a virtuosic interpretation, with detailed attention to Ives’ expressive indications in the score. Their playing ranges from lyrical to forceful, shifting with the numerous moods of the sonata.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442472
Recording Date/Location:
ca. 1948, New York City, NY.
Performing Artists:
Madeleine Carabo, violin; Carol Robinson, piano
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038370871, 1/4 inch sound tape reel.
THE SIDE SHOW (Is that Mr. Reilly . . .)
THE SIDE SHOW (Is that Mr. Reilly . . .) (VI-B-66) (348)
Text by the composer, quoting Pat Rooney
Recorded from broadcast of WNYC of recital.

Notes on the Recording:
The Works Progress Administration sponsored numerous radio broadcasts featuring American music, describing Charles Ives as “among the most original and extraordinary composers of America.” This program includes a live recital featuring Gretchen Gantvoort, soprano and Thomas Weil, piano, performing Ives’ “The Side Show.” In this early Ives recording, Gantvoort sings with frequently short, speech-like articulations and a very free sense of pulse. The pianist, Thomas Weil, matches Gantvoort, which articulate and rhythmical playing. Together, these expressive aspects create a feeling of spontaneity and story-telling, complementing the nature of the song’s text.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442235
Recording Date/Location:
September 28, 1939, WPA Community Building Theatre, The World's Fair, New York City, NY
Performing Artists:
Gretchen Gantvoort, soprano; Thomas Weil, piano
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038371572, 78 RPM Test Pressing.
THE WORLD'S HIGHWAY (For long I wander'...
THE WORLD'S HIGHWAY (For long I wander'd happily . . .) (VI-B-42-c) (397)
Text by Harmony Twichell Ives
Broadcast of WNYC

Notes on the Recording:
The Works Progress Administration sponsored numerous radio broadcasts featuring American music, describing Charles Ives as “among the most original and extraordinary composers of America.” This program includes a live recital featuring Gretchen Gantvoort, soprano and Thomas Weil, piano, performing Ives’ “The World’s Highway.” In this early Ives recording, Gantvoort sings with nuanced vocal phrasings that include a flexibility of pulse to complement the musical gestures of the composition. Strikingly, both Gantvoort and pianist Thomas Weil coordinate various immediate fluctuations in dynamics, which highlight the corresponding moments of the text.
External Links:

Streaming access to sound recordings in this collection is available when connected to the Yale University network, or otherwise by request. To request access to this recording, email musicspecialcollections@yale.edu.

https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/2442235
Recording Date/Location:
September 28, 1939, WPA Community Building Theatre, The World's Fair, New York City, NY.
Performing Artists:
Gretchen Gantvoort, soprano; Thomas Weil, piano
Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year:
Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038371572, 78 RPM Test Pressing.

Recordings

Search pieces, artists, dates, locations, record label, release number/format/year, text by, and additional notes

Pages

Recording Date/Location Performing Artists Record Label, Release Number, Format, Release Year Album Names Additional Recording Notes
V. Songs
v. W-Y
WEIL' AUF MIR (VI-B-39-b) (387)
March 20-22, 2006, Recording studio Valter Neri, Montevarchi, Italy. Jill Feldman, soprano; Jeannette Koekkoek, piano Olive Music OM-011, CD (2007). Charles Ives: Songs
February 24 & 25, 2008, Brooklyn Recording, New York City, NY Theo Bleckmann, voice and live electronic processing; Kneebody Winter and Winter W&W 910 147-2, CD (2008). Twelve Songs by Charles Ives (Mixed July 2 & 3, 2008, Fluxx Studio, Munich, Germany)
June 8-10, 2010 at hr-Sendesaal Frankfurt am Main, Germany Ensemble für Neue Musik Zürich; Sebastian Gottschick, conductor and arranger; Jeannine Hirzel, mezzosoprano Hat Hut B00ALZ7BLU, CD (2012). Charles Ives: A Songbook (arrangement for instrumental ensemble by Sebastian Gottschick)
WEST LONDON (Crouch'd on the pavement . . .) (VI-B-64) (388)
Text by Matthew Arnold
ca. 1960 Devy Barnett, soprano; Mel Strauss, piano Stereo Age C3, stereo tape; 7i/2 i.p.s.; 2track (1960).
September 13-17, 1965, Cue Studios, New York City, NY. Ted Puffer, tenor; James Tenney, piano Folkways FM3344, 33.3 RPM (1965). Smithsonian Folkways FW03344, CD (2004). Charles Ives Songs, Vol. 1: 1894-1915
July 8-9, 1967, Pye Records Studio No. 1, ATV House, London, England, UK. Marni Nixon, soprano; John McCabe, piano Pye GGC4105, 33.3 RPM (1967, England). Pye GSGC14105, stereo 33.3 RPM (1967, England). Nonesuch H71209, stereo 33.3 RPM (1968). EMI 50999 2 06631 2 4, CD (2008). Marni Nixon sings Ives, Goehr, Schürmann. Charles Ives: Songs, Orchestral Sets, From the Steeples and the Mountains.
November 2, 1969, Crouse Auditorium, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Helen Boatwright, soprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano. Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038373636, 1/4 inch sound tape reel Recorded by Richard C. Burns
November 18, 19, 24, & 25, 1969, New York, NY. Helen Boatwright, soprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano Columbia M4-32504, 33.3 RPM (1974). Charles Ives: The 100th Anniversary.
December 1 & 2, 1975, Studio Lankwitz, Berlin, Germany. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Baritone, Michael Ponti, Piano Deutsche Grammophon 2530 696, 33.3 RPM (1976). Deutsche Grammophon 463 514-2, CD (2003). Charles Ives: Songs - Lieder. Fischer-Dieskau Edition: Debussy - Ravel - Ives.
September 1980 and January 1981, Lukaskirche, Dresden, Germany. Heinz Reeh, bass; Werner Schieke, piano ETERNA 8 27 566, 33.3 RPM (1983). Berlin Classics 0092542BC, CD (1997). Lieder
December 1 & 2, 1982, Holy Trinity Church, New York City, NY. Jan DeGaetani, mezzo-soprano; Gilber Kalish, piano Bridge BDG-2002, LP (1983). American Scenes, American Poets
November 26-28, 1990, Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London, England. Henry Herford, baritone; Robin Bowman, piano Unicorn-Kanchana DKP-9111, CD (1991). Songs: Volume 1
February and March 1991, Maison de Radio-France, France. Nicholas Isherwood, bass; Eric Watson, piano Accord 201812, CD (1991). Charles Ives (1874-1954): Melodies
September 17-27, 1991, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Dora Ohrenstein, soprano; Phillip Bush, piano Albany TROY-080, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. IV
January 1993, Sound Recording Centre Steurbaut, Ghent, Belgium. Charles Van Tassel, baritone; Marien Van Nieukerken, piano; Sjef Douwes, clarinet. Walpurgis/Voxtempris VTP CD92010, CD (1993). René Gailly VTP CD92010, CD (1996). Charles E. Ives: Songs
November 10-12, 2004, All Saints Church, East Finchley, London, UK. Gerald Finley, baritone; Julius Drake, piano Hyperion CDA-67516, CD (2005). Ives: A Song - For Anything
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Robert Gardner, baritone; J.J. Penna, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
March 20-22, 2006, Recording studio Valter Neri, Italy. Jill Feldman, soprano; Jeanette Koekkoek, piano Olive Music OM-011, CD (2007). Charles Ives: Songs
March 18-20, 2008, The Recital Hall at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, State University of New York, NY. Susan Narucki, soprano; Donald Berman, piano New World Records 80680-2, CD (2008). The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives
WHEN A MAN IS SITTING BEFORE THE FIRE
see SOLILOQUY
WHEN GENTLY BLOWS THE SOUTH WIND
see THE SOUTH WIND
WHEN STARS ARE IN THE QUIET SKIES (VI-B-13) (389)
Text by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton
January 1952 Jacqueline Greissle, soprano; Josef Wolman, piano SPA Records SPA9 (Matrix: XTV19431), 33.3 RPM (1953). Songs of Sylvester Revueltas and Charles Ives
WHEN STARS ARE IN THE QUIET SKIES (VI-B-13) (389)
Text by Edward George Bulwer-Lytto
ca. 1960 Devy Barnett, soprano; Mel Strauss, piano Stereo Age C3, stereo tape; 7i/2 i.p.s.; 2track (ca. 1960). Songs of Charles Ives
November-December 1978, Lutkin Hall, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Walter Carringer, tenor; Will Crutchfield, piano Brewster Records BR-1299, LP (1979). Early Songs
September 17-27, 1991, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Mary Ann Hart, mezzo-soprano; Dennis Helmrich, piano Albany TROY-077, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. I
November 10-12, 2004, All Saints Church, East Finchley, London, UK. Gerald Finley, baritone; Julius Drake, piano Hyperion CDA-67516, CD (2005). Ives: A Song - For Anything
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Kenneth Tarver, tenor; Laura Garritson, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
WHEN THE MOON IS ON THE WAVE
see INCANTATION and SET NO. 1: vi.
WHERE THE EAGLE (VI-B-42-b) (390)
Text: Heaven, by Monica Peveril Turnbull
August 1954, St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, New Haven, CT. Helen Boatwright, soprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano. Overtone 7, 33.3 RPM (1954). CRI 675, CD (1994). 24 Songs by Charles Ives. Songs of Charles Ives, Ernst Bacon. Recorded by Richard C. Burns
December 1 & 2, 1975, Studio Lankwitz, Berlin, Germany. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Baritone, Michael Ponti, Piano Deutsche Grammophon 2530 696 33.3 RPM (1976). Deutsche Grammophon 463 514-2, CD (2003). Charles Ives - Songs - Lieder. Fischer-Dieskau Edition : Debussy - Ravel - Ives
November 26-28, 1990, Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London, England. Henry Herford, baritone; Robin Bowman, piano Unicorn-Kanchana DKP-9111, CD (1991). Songs: Volume 1
September 17-27, 1991, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Dora Ohrenstein, soprano; Phillip Bush, piano Albany TROY-078, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. III
November 10-12, 2004, All Saints Church, East Finchley, London, UK. Gerald Finley, baritone; Julius Drake, piano Hyperion CDA-67516, CD (2005). Ives: A Song - For Anything
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jennifer Casey Cabot, soprano; Eric Trudel, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
March 18-20, 2008, The Recital Hall at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, State University of New York Susan Narucki, soprano; Donald Berman, piano New World Records 80680-2, CD (2008). The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives
ca. 2016 Robert Barefield, baritone; Carolyn Hague, piano Albany Records B01DW81OO2, CD (2016). Occident Meets Orient
WHILE ONE WILL SEARCH
see LUCK AND WORK and SET NO. 3: ii.
WHO DARES TO SAY THAT SPRING IS DEAD
see IMMORTALITY
WHO GOES THERE?
see WALT WHITMAN
WHY DOESN'T ONE, TWO, THREE
see "1, 2, 3"
WIDMUNG (O danke nicht fur diese Lieder . . .) (VI-B-26-b) (393)
Text by Wolfgang Muller
November 2, 1969, Crouse Auditorium, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Helen Boatwright, soprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano. Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038373636, 1/4 inch sound tape reel Recorded by Richard C. Burns.
November 18, 19, 24, & 25, 1969, New York City, NY. Helen Boatwright, soprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano Columbia M4-32504, 33.3 RPM (1974). Charles Ives: The 100th Anniversary
October 1990, June 1991, American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Thomas Hampson, baritone; Armen Guzelimian, piano Teldec 9031-72168-2, CD (1991). Lieder: Ives, MacDowell, Griffes
September 17-27, 1991, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Dora Ohrenstein, soprano; Phillip Bush, piano Albany TROY-078, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. III
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Sumi Kittelberger, soprano; Eric Trudel, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
WIE MELODIE ZIEHT ES MIR (394)
Text by Wolfgang Muller
September 17-27, 1991, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Mary Ann Hart, mezzo-soprano; Dennis Helmrich, piano Albany TROY-078, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. III
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Kenneth Tarver, tenor; Eric Trudel, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
WIEGENLIED (Guten Abend, gut'Nacht . . .) (VI-B-36-a) (395)
Text: traditional German folksong
December 29, 1968, afternoon, Sprague Mem. Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Helen Boatwright, soprano; William Dale, piano. Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002126011031, 1/4 inch sound tape reel. Songs of Charles Ives Recorded by Richard Warren, Jr.
October 1990, June 1991, American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, New York City, NY. Thomas Hampson, baritone; Armen Guzelimian, piano Teldec 9031-72168-2, CD (1991). Teldec 4509-98825-2, CD (1994). Lieder: Ives, MacDowell, Griffes. The Thomas Hampson Collection, Vol. IV: American Songs.
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Mary Phillips, mezzo-soprano; Douglas Dickson, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6

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