Modern and Contemporary Composers From 1900 to the middle part of the 20 th Century. American artists are recognized.

Duke Ellington 1899 – 1974 Born in Washington, DC to parents of modest means. Self- taught musician. A brilliant piano player, but he claimed that his instrument was his orchestra. His band had a unique sound: full-bodied, sumptuous, mysterious, and varied in textures and effects.

More about the Duke… He was a notorious rule-breaker, even for a Jazz musician. He introduced dissonance to an unparalleled degree in Jazz. Influenced by the music and musicians from New Orleans. Known more for his compositions rather than his playing.

Still more on Duke… Gained national recognition at the Cotton Club in New York City from 1927 to Transitioned from Jazz to Swing when the popular music changed. It is said that he composed wholly or in part over 1,000 pieces in his lifetime. Continued to compose on his death bed in the hospital. Died of cancer.

His additions The players in his band experimented with new timbres for their instruments. Some of these new sounds were: growling bending notes using rubber plungers as mutes for their instruments

Some Famous Works: “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” “Choo Choo Gotta Hurry Home” “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing)” “Take the A Train”

George Gershwin Born to poor Russian immigrants in New York City. Older brother Ira was supposed to be the family musician, but George took over the piano at age 12. Dropped out of school at 15 and became a Tin Pan Alley song-plugger for $15.00 a week. Influenced by Debussy and Ravel.

George Grows Up… At 18 George left the song industry and played piano in the vaudeville circuits. At age 20 he wrote his first musical “La La Lucille” and he went on to become famous. His brother Ira joined him as his lyricist, and they became the most popular team in America.

Fame and Fortune for George… Began writing musicals in the 20’s for famous people like Fred Astaire, W.C. Fields, and Bob Hope. They were poor in plot but strong in musicality. Known best for bringing jazz into orchestral compositions. Died of a brain tumor at 38 years old.

Some of Gershwin’s Most Famous Songs… “Rhapsody in Blue” “An American in Paris” Porgy and Bess: Summertime

Aaron Copland Born in Brooklyn, New York to parents who were Russian-Jewish immigrants. Discovered music on his own, and decided to become a composer at 15. Wanted to write works that were American in character, and he chose to focus on Jazz. This only lasted a few years, and he went through a dark and dissonant period.

Copland finds his niche… During The Great Depression in the 1930’s Copland drew on American Folklore to get more in touch with the people of the nation. Themes included: jazz, revival hymns, cowboy songs, and Appalachian folk songs. These works and his scores for movies made him synonymous with American music.

More about Copland and his Music… His music is simple yet very professional. His works are described as slow and open, and they evoke pictures of the American landscape. Embraces 20 th century ideas such as polychords, polyrhythms, and changing meters.

Copland’s later life… He stopped composing in He lectured, conducted, and wrote books on music. Died in 1990 at the age of 90.

Copland’s Most Famous Works… “Appalachian Spring” “Billy the Kidd: V. Gun Battle” “Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes: IV Hoedown” “A Lincoln Portrait” “Fanfare for the Common Man”

Igor Stravinsky Born in Russia, near St. Petersburg. Raised in a musical family, and studied with famed composer Rimsky-Korsakov. Was commissioned to write a ballet in 1910 for the Russian Ballet, one of the most successful and influential troupes in the world.

More on Igor… His third ballet “The Rite of Spring”, written only one year later was so controversial in Paris that a riot developed in the audience because of its pagan themes. He was perhaps the most famous and celebrated composer worldwide between WW I and WW II. He moved to the United States after WW II.

Stravinsky He is not known as well for his later works, but he worked long into his 70’s and 80’s with paid commissions. His work remained rich and intense. Died of natural causes in 1971.

Stravinsky’s Most Famous Works… “The Firebird Suite” “Petrouchka” “The Rite of Spring” “The Rake’s Progress”