This week we
gather with our loved ones and remember our nation’s history, reflect on what
we’re thankful for in life, and eat good food! Have you ever thought about what
music best exhibits an American national sound? In honor of this great American
holiday, let’s talk about composers who succeeded in creating American
nationalism in their music. Below, I list several American composers with
example works but the list is by no means exhaustive. What other
works/composers can you think of? Please provide examples of your favorites!
William Billings,
Chester
Stephen Foster, Old Folks at Home
George Chadwick, Symphonic Sketches: Jubilee
Henry Mancini, Moon River
John Philip
Sousa, Stars and Stripes Forever
Irving Berlin, God Bless America
George Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue
Ferde Grofe, Grand Canyon Suite
Charles Ives, Concord Sonata: The Alcotts
Leonard Bernstein,
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Aaron Copland, Appalachian Spring
William Grant
Still, Afro-American Symphony
Cole Porter, Anything Goes
Duke Ellington, Satin Doll
Scott Joplin, The Entertainer
Erich Korngold,
Violin Concerto
Mark O’Connor, Appalachia Waltz
This week on WGUC
we will offer several Thanksgiving specials to accompany your festivities.
Below is a schedule of our offerings!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014,
6:00 PM
Thanksgiving
with Cantus – Cantus is one of the premiere men’s vocal ensembles, and with
Alison Young, they talk about the holiday, music and food.
Thursday, November 27, 10:00 AM
Feast
for the Ears with Mark Perzel
Thursday, November 27, 6:00 PM
Giving Thanks 2014: Maya Angelou & Nikki Giovanni
With music and stories for Thanksgiving, host John Birge creates a
thoughtful, contemporary reflection on the meaning of the holiday.
