As in customary in proposals for anthologies edited by me, the list is necessarily tentative. Final selection depends upon the number of pages (or amount of words) desired by the publisher and the available budget for permissions. My job as the book's editor is to provide the best available text within the constraints. An introduction would explain why American composers have aspired for excellence in writing. I would provide headnotes, if desired. Need I add that I have edited several books of writings by American composers?