book of sounds

In the Postface to his 114 Songs of 1922, Charles Ives wrote: "Some of the songs in this book, particularly among the latter ones, cannot be sung, and if they could, perhaps might prefer, if they had a say, to remain as they are; that is, 'in the leaf' and that they will remain in this peaceful state is more than presumable." Oddly enough, some of the songs in this book have been sung, but most remain silent on the page awaiting a willing reader who's ready to take the title at face value. These are songs in which "nothing happens/& it is good" if you want it to be. (Billy Mills)