Gershwin and Copland

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces two composers, George Gershwin and Aaron Copland, who both worked in the early 20th century. Specifically, it discusses opinion about their music and evaluates why these two composers are so quintessentially American. It looks at how George Gershwin wrote popular music and how early in his career was dismissed because he was not a "classical" composer, although his music is both classical and popular. It shows how Aaron Copland, on the other hand, also wrote popular music, especially for films but how he is better known for his classical compositions and American ballets.

From the Paper:

"Listening to Gershwin's compositions is always a treat because I hear something different each time I listen. "Rhapsody in Blue" has so many melodies and themes going on, that all come together in the recognizable theme that winds its way through the music, that I can listen to it a hundred times and still smile as it comes to a climatic close. The alternating orchestrations and beats, the lyrical and romantic qualities of the music, and the pictures it conjures up are all pleasurable and enduring, just like the music itself. While "Rhapsody" may be his most enduring piece, certainly many others embody his graceful and lyrical style. The "Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra" is a darker piece, which seems to evoke more images of the night in it, and a stronger, even more vital rhythm and beat than "Rhapsody," but it is clear the two pieces were written by the same composer. They share the same lyrical and lilting piano style, staccato trumpet solos, and that same slightly jazzy style which brings up pictures of a busy New York street on a Saturday night. Gershwin is a joy to listen to because his pieces are uplifting and make you want to listen to more."

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