The Search for an American Sound

Since the 1890s, when Americans were beginning to develop their own traditions in classical music, composers have recognized the dilemma of creating the American sound. In this course, we explore how not only classical musicians, but also Broadway and Hollywood composers of diverse origins and ethnicities created a unique sound that has been defined as evocative of these lands and its people. Join us as we listen to and discuss the works of Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Grant Steel, Florence Price, Alex North, Elmer Bernstein and others, and discover how elements of jazz, folk music, and classical techniques created a uniquely American sound identity.