This article is being written close to Thanksgiving, and because I have always thought of Thanksgiving as a truly American holiday, it reminded me about the wonderful classical composers that America has produced. So what better way to introduce you to classical music than through the ears of America. Here are four American-born citizens that all made significant contributions to the field of classical music. It is difficult to separate these composers from other styles such as ballet, musicals or film scores, but even those have all taken on an American flavor. So Celebrate America and be thankful for brilliant American Composers.
Aaron Copeland was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1900, and is considered by many to be the “Dean of American Composers,” simply because his music touches the soul of America. The pieces such as ‘Appalachian Spring,’ ‘Rodeo’ and ‘Billy the Kid’ all use American themes and highlight tunes that are ours alone. The first sample I have is a trumpet fanfare that musically states what has made America ours.
