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Over the course of history, many great musical composers, such as Beethoven and Mozart have showcased their talents and have been well recognized for these efforts. One group of composers that belong in this category is American composers of the 20th century. The work of composers Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and Charles Ives best exemplifies how American 20th century music pieces are very different on extreme musical levels, yet while still maintaining a high level of popularity with music lovers worldwide. ... There, he was the first American student of the brilliant teacher, Nadia Boulanger, a French conductor and musician. After three years in Paris he returned to New York with his first major commission, writing an organ concerto for the American appearances of Madame Boulanger. ... After this, his "Piano Variations" (1930) was strongly influenced by one of Russia and the world’s most significant composers, Igor Stravinsky, and his Neoclassicist style, which involved the balanced form and conjunct melodies of the baroque and classical periods. ... His most important works during this period were based on American folk lore including "Billy the Kid" (1938) and "Rodeo" (1942). ... Through all of his various changes in his music, Aaron Copland was a true pioneer of American music; he showed the world how to write classical music in an American way.
In a period in which national American music was developing with composers of the caliber of Aaron Copland and others trained in Europe, George Gershwin, the son of Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, went some way towards bridging the wide gap between causal and serious music.
Approximate Word count = 1301
Approximate Pages = 5.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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