Composer Tag

by Brianna Jaeger As musicians, we often get asked the question, “Who is your favorite composer?” And the person asking usually anticipates a response such as, “Beethoven, Bach, Liszt, or Chopin.” I always love the look on people’s faces when I respond with, “Olivier Messiaen, Kaija Saariaho, Viktor Ullmann, or Richard Pressley.” This typically leads to a discussion on modernist theories, avant-garde arts, and new music. I find that...

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by Brianna Jaeger, Catoctin School of Music It’s Autumn 1939. The Wizard of Oz, featuring Judy Garland, premieres. LaGuardia Airport is unveiled in New York City. “You Are My Sunshine” is recorded for the first time. Concert pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman is performing a Chopin recital broadcasted for Polish Radio on September 23rd. In the background rings something percussive. Violent. Abhorrent. Harshly punctuating the lyricism of Poland’s beloved composer...

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