George Washington said, “Nothing is more agreeable, and ornamental than good music.” Based on the famous cherry tree incident we know that Washington never told a lie, so what better way to celebrate the Independence Day holiday than with some good music?
Like so much of our culture, America’s music was brought over from Europe. Folk songs, ballads, hymns and dance music from the old country found its way to North America’s shores and took root. In time, African, Caribbean and other ethnic styles cross-pollinated with the old European forms to create a uniquely American music that continues to evolve.
From the earliest anthems and hymns of William Billings to the densely layered orchestral music of John Corigliano, the vast scope of American music belies the nation’s relatively young life. Our Independence Day celebration features some of the music that provided the soundtrack to the American Revolution. There’s music that Washington would have enjoyed, as well as rarely heard orchestral music from the Federal period. Our national music truly came into its own in the 20th century and we also present chamber and orchestral music by some of the cornerstone American composers.
Our featured release is a specially priced sampler from the Naxos American Classics Series. Portrait of America: A 4th of July Collection offers 29 tracks of music from 13 great American composers and one French master. Who is the Frenchman and why is he included? Listen and find out.
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by Craig Zeichner
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