Critical and Historical Essays Lectures delivered at Columbia University

"Critical and Historical Essays" by Edward MacDowell is a compilation of academic writings about music from the early 1900s is primarily composed of MacDowell's Columbia University lectures, which explores numerous historical and artistic themes in music, showcasing his singular viewpoint as a composer and teacher. This set of essays seeks to teach people about the development and value of music through different cultural viewpoints, touching on music's beginnings to the link between music and feelings. The collection starts by introducing Edward MacDowell as an educator, noting that he founded a music program at Columbia University in 1896, and emphasizes his vision for music education, which combines technical skills and a knowledge of music history, setting the stage for a deeper look at music's foundations and the early emotional expressions that led to musical systems, illustrating music's central role in human culture and civilization, connecting its progress to the emotional and social growth of humans.