HMU126H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Henry Louis Gates Jr., William Sterndale Bennett, Henry Hugh Pierson
Document Summary
A term given to the music publishers and song writers that dominated early 20th century. Publishers sold popular songs to performers employing song-pluggers who previewed tunes for potential buyers. Employed composers like irving berlin, harry warren and george gershwin. His rhapsody in blue (1924) was billed as a jazz concerto. Composed for both the concert hall and the wider public, writing popular songs and musicals. Written for an african american cast, gershwin called this work a folk opera. Set in south carolina, it tells a tragic love story. Based on the novel porgy by dubose heyward. Draws on practices found in both opera and the american musical. Promoted racial stereotypes of black people as poor drug users, and as unintelligent. Integrates african american idioms including spirituals, blues and jazz. A great composer, arranger, and performer of jazz. Pushed jazz towards longer and more elaborate works, creating jazz versions of classical favorites.
