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
iv. S-V
THERE IS A LANE (VI-B-29-c) (370)
June 1995, Bradley Hills Presbetyrian Church, Bethesda, MD Vocal Arts Quartet: Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano; Beverly Benso, alto; Samuel Gordon, tenor; Robert Kennedy, baritone; Francis Conlon, piano; Howard Bass, guitar; Mary Findlay, violin; Bruce Hutton, banjos Koch 3-7392-2-H1, CD (1997). Gentle Annie: Stephen Foster - Charles Ives
May-June 2005, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT Kenneth Tarver, tenor; Douglas Dickson, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
July 19, 2005, LSU Recital Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Andrew Childs, tenor; Wei-Han Su, piano. Centaur Records, Inc. CRC-2796, CD (2006). Songs of Charles Ives
THERE IS NO UNBELIEF
see RELIGION
THERE WAS THE LYRE OF EARTH BEHELD
see NIGHT OF FROST IN MAY
THERE'S A TIME IN MANY A LIFE
see THEY ARE THERE!
THEY ARE THERE! or WAR SONG MARCH (There's a time in many a life . . .) (VI-B-79) (371)
see also HE IS THERE; (First take, abandoned; ending (at the 2nd Chorus) "Oh, I have to stop")
Text by the composer
April 24, 1943, Mary Howard Studio, New York City, NY Charles Edward Ives, piano The Second Annual KANU Radio Album, 33.3 RPM (1975) Disc [C] Side [2]. CRI CD-810, CD (1999). Ives Plays Ives: The Composer at the Piano in Four Recording Sessions, 1933-1943
April 24, 1943, Mary Howard Studio, New York City, NY Charles Edward Ives, piano Disc [D] Side [1] CRI CD-810, CD (1999). Ives Plays Ives: The Composer at the Piano in Four Recording Sessions, 1933-1943 (Second take with extra repeat of chorus)
April 24, 1943, Mary Howard Studio, New York City, NY Charles Edward Ives, piano Disc [D] Side [2] CRI CD-810, CD (1999). Ives Plays Ives: The Composer at the Piano in Four Recording Sessions, 1933-1943 (Third take)
June 11, 1976, small auditorium of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Roberta Alexander, soprano; Reinbert de Leeuw, piano Radio Nederland 6808 481/482, 33.3 RPM (1976). Holland Festival Highlights (1976)
ca. 1984, Netherlands Roberta Alexander, soprano; Tan Crone, piano, Rien de Reede, Piccolo Etcetera KTC-1020, 33.3 RPM (1984, Netherlands). Etcetera KTC-1068, CD (2004). Etcetera KTC-2508, CD (2005). Charles Ives Songs
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 Paul Sperry, tenor; Irma Vallecillo, piano; Jayn Rosenfeld piccolo Albany TROY-079, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. III
ca. 2009 The Kropotkins: Lorette Velvette, vocals, guitar; Charlie Burnham, violin; Dave Soldier, banjo, violin; Dog, guitar, bass, Samm Bennett, bass drum, percussion, vocals; Jonathan Kane, snare drum; Alex Greene, keyboards Mulatta MUL019 (2009). Paradise Square
THEY WALKED BESIDE THE SUMMER SEA
see NO MORE
THINGS OUR FATHERS LOVED (I think there must be a place in the soul . . .) (VI-B-57) (372)
Text by the composer
February 24, 1939, Town Hall, New York City, NY Mina Hager, mezzosoprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano
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
January 28, 1969 William Pearson, baritone; Wilhelm Neuhaus, piano Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038374139, 1/4 inch sound tape reel.
October 6, 1969, New York City, NY Thomas Stewart, baritone; Alan Mandel, piano Columbia M-30229, 33.3 RPM (1971). American Scenes, American Poets
November 2, 1969, Crouse Auditorium, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY Helen Boatwright, soprano; John Kirkpatrick, piano. Recorded by Richard C. Burns Yale Charles Ives Non-Commercial Sound Recordings 39002038373636, 1/4 inch sound tape reel.
October 1975, New York City, NY Jan DeGaetani, mezzo-soprano; Gilbert Kalish, piano Nonesuch H-71325, 33.3 (1976). Elektra, Nonesuch 9 71325-2, CD (year unlisted). Charles Ives: Songs
ca. 1976, Battel Chapel, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut New Haven Brass Quintet: David Baldwin, trumpet; Grant Keast, trumpet; Christine Snyder, horn; Theodore Toupin, trombone; Kenneth Singleton, tuba, arranger Red Rose Music RRM 04, 33.3 RPM (1976). New Haven Brass Quintet: Volume 4 (arranged for brass quintet)
July 29 & 30, 1980, Radiohuset, Studio 2, Stolkholm, Sweden Kerstin Ståhl, soprano; Kerstin Åberg, piano Caprice CAP-1187, LP (1981). Kerstin Ståhl, sopran: Bengt Emil Johnson - Lars-Gunnar Bodin - Charles E. Ives
ca. 1984, Netherlands Roberta Alexander, soprano; Tan Crone, piano. Etcetera KTC-1020, 33.3 RPM (1984, Netherlands). Etcetera KTC-1020, CD (2004). Etcetera KTC-2508, CD (2005). Charles Ives Songs
August 22-24, 1989, American Academy & Institute of Arts & Letters Richard Stoltzman, clarinet; Richard Goode, piano; Lucy Chapman Stoltzman, violin RCA 60170, CD (1990). Contrasts
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
August 1991, McLean, VA Michael Ingham, baritone; Harry Brant, piano AmCam recordings APR-10306CD, CD (1991). Michael Ingram Sings Charles Ives, 28 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-079, CD (1994). The Complete Songs of Charles Ives, Vol. III
ca. 1993 David Taylor, bass trombone; Ted Rosenthal, piano; Emily Mitchell, harp; Rolf Schulte, Jon Kass, violins; Louise Schulman, viola; Fred Sherry, cello. New World Records 80436-2, CD (1993). Past Tells
ca. 1995 Czech Brass Sextet Brno Multisonic 31 0349-2, CD (1995). The Glitter of Brass
August 1996, Teldec Studio, Berlin, Germany Jennifer Larmore, mezzo-soprano; Antoine Palloc, piano Teldec 0630-16069, CD (1997). My Native Land: A Collection of American Songs
February, August 1997 Lyne Comtois, mezzo-soprano; Marc Bourdeau, piano Brioso BR-112, CD (1997). Songs of the Americas
May 29, 1999- June 2, 1999, Bad Münder, Germany Veronica Lenz-Kuhn, soprano; Tan Crone, piano Thorofon CTH-2406, CD (1999). Charles Ives: Lieder
September 30, October 1-3, 1999, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA Thomas Hampson, baritone; Michael Tilson Thomas, piano BMG 09026-63703-2, CD (2002). Sony 191773025922, CD (2017). Charles Ives: An American Journey
ca. 2002 and 2016 Bradley Robinson, baritone; Stacy Rodgers, piano Albany Records TROY1711, CD (2018). Charles Ives: A Portrait in Song
November 6-8, 2003, Großer Saal, Vienna Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria Susan Graham, mezzo-soprano; Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano Warner Classics 2564 60297, CD (2004). Warner Classics 5195024, CD (2010). Concord Sonata - 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 David Pittsinger, bass; Eric Trudel, piano Naxos 8.559274, CD (2008). Charles Ives: Songs, Volume 6
July 19, 2005, LSU Recital Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Andrew Childs, tenor; Wei-Han Su, piano. Centaur Records, Inc. CRC-2796, CD (2006). Songs of Charles Ives
March 20-22, 2006, Recording studio Valter Neri, Montevarchi Jill Feldman, soprano; Jeannette 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 Susan Narucki, soprano; Donald Berman, piano New World Records 80680-2, CD (2008). The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives
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)
ca. 2016 Gunnery Sergeant Sara Dell'Omo, mezzo-soprano; "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band; Lt. Col. Jason K. Fettig, director Altissimo Recordings ALT04032, CD (2016). Be Glad Then, America
THOREAU (He grew in those seasons . . .) (VI-B-52) (373)
see also SONATA, PIANO, NO. 2: iv.
Text by the composer, quoting Thoreau
May 24 or June 2, 1947, Carnegie Studio No. 306, New York City, NY. Ernest McChesney, tenor; Otto Herz, piano Concert Hall Series C Album 7 (side no. 1317; Matrix: CHS317) 78 rpm (1948). Charles Ives: An Album of Songs
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
December 29, 1968, afternoon, Sprague Memorial 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 6, 1969, New York City, NY. Thomas Stewart, baritone; Alan Mandel, piano Columbia M-30229, stereo 33.3 RPM (1971). American Scenes, American Poets
October 12 or 19, 1970, Wahlberg Recording Studios, San Francisco, CA. Peter Del Grande, baritone; Vladimir Pleshakov, piano Custom Division of Orion Records CST-106, LP (1970). Peter Del Grande Sings Charles Ives
October 1975, New York City, NY Jan DeGaetani, mezzo-soprano; Gilbert Kalish, piano Nonesuch H-71325, 33.3 (1976). Charles Ives: Songs
1988, Tedesco Studios, NJ. Matt Moran, vibraphone; Adam Good, electric guitar, E-bow; John Hollenbeck, percussion; Oscar Noriega, Alto Saxophone, bass clarinet. CRI CD-2000, CD (2001). Sideshow: Songs of Charles Ives

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