American Modern Classical

American modern classical music, emerging in the early 20th century, is a rich tapestry that integrates a wide array of influences, fusing European traditional classical elements with American innovation. This genre embodies the diversity and energy of the United States, reflecting its cultural melting pot through an embrace of jazz, folk, and abstract expressions into the symphonic and chamber music traditions. Composers like Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin infused their compositions with rhythms and harmonies derived from popular American music, while others like Samuel Barber focused on lush, emotive melodies. Meanwhile, figures like David Diamond and Roy Harris championed a more conservative, structured approach that often harkened back to the romantic era, yet still imbued with a distinctive American character. American modern classical music is, therefore, a genre that captures a nation's dynamic spirit and the composers' quest for a unique musical identity.

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Aaron Copland
Alan Hovhaness
Arthur Farwell
Blair Fairchild
Charles Ives
Dave Brubeck
David Diamond
Elliott Carter
Florence Beatrice Price
Frederick Shepherd Converse
George Gershwin
George Walker
Gunther Schuller
Howard Hanson
Joseph Lamb
Langston Hughes
Leo Ornstein
Leonard Bernstein
Leroy Anderson
Louise Talma
Margaret Bonds
Morton Gould
Ned Rorem
Peter Mennin
Quincy Porter
Roger Sessions
Ross Lee Finney
Roy Harris
Ruth Crawford Seeger
Samuel Barber
Scott Joplin
Thomas Jefferson Anderson
Ulysses Kay
Undine Smith Moore
Ursula Mamlok
Vernon Duke
Vincent Persichetti
Virgil Thomson
Walter Piston
William Grant Still
William Schuman
Leonard Bernstein
Dave Brubeck
Samuel Barber
George Gershwin
Aaron Copland
Florence Beatrice Price
Leroy Anderson
Scott Joplin
William Grant Still
Charles Ives
Ned Rorem
Alan Hovhaness
Howard Hanson
Morton Gould
Gunther Schuller
George Walker
Margaret Bonds
Elliott Carter
Vincent Persichetti
Virgil Thomson
Langston Hughes
Vernon Duke
Leo Ornstein
William Schuman
Ruth Crawford Seeger
Walter Piston
Joseph Lamb
David Diamond
Arthur Farwell
Ursula Mamlok
Roy Harris
Undine Smith Moore
Peter Mennin
Ross Lee Finney
Louise Talma
Ulysses Kay
Quincy Porter
Roger Sessions
Blair Fairchild
Frederick Shepherd Converse
Thomas Jefferson Anderson