Chapter 8 Musical Creators

Composers work to “externalize inner feelings” Composition is the craft of putting together sounds to create a musical work. Some composers “doodle” on the piano until they find something they like, some labor and re-work material until they are satisfied, others improvise and songs are correct the first time they’re played.

Diane Warren Known as “the hit machine” First hit was “Rhythm of the Night” from the movie “The Last Dragon” She doesn’t wait for music to come to her – she “goes to work” everyday. Hook – the motive or grabber phrase in a song that often accompanies the words of the song’s title

George Gershwin Father of American operas Composer of popular songs, broadway musicals, and concert music Worked with his brother Ira to complete songs (Ira – lyrics, George – music) “I Got Rhythm” Porgy and Bess – “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” Modulation – a change of key

Aaron Copland Father of American orchestral music Music borrowed heavily from folk traditions and themes “Appalachian Spring,” “Simple Gifts” “Fanfare for the Common Man” Fanfare – a short, showy tune, usually written for brass, played to honor important people or announce an important event

New Direction As technology advances, composers develop new ideas and creative ways to use that technology. Synthesizer – an electronic device, usually with a keyboard, capable of producing sounds in almost any range, tone quality, and volume

Libby Larsen She interprets poetic images into musical portraits. “The Settling Years” – from poetry penned by actual pioneers, 3 movements – “Comin’ to Town,” “Beneath These Alien Stars,” and “A Hoopla” “Marimba Concerto: After Hampton” influenced by jazz musician Lionel Hampton, specialized in marimba/melodic percussion

Moses Hogan Born in New Orleans, LA Arranges Negro spirituals for choral ensembles