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.

 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

 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

 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

 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

 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”

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