Questions and Answers
The 1920s are nicknamed the _______ age.
jazz
Who was among the first to add jazz styles and rhythms to orchestral dance arrangements?
Paul Whiteman
Whiteman commissioned _____ ___________ to write Rhapsody in Blue.
George Gershwin
Who became known as the man who brought jazz into the concert hall?
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What was George Gershwin's cause of death?
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Who was the first African American woman to write a symphonic work performed by a major symphony orchestra?
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What man became known as the Dean of Afro-American composers?
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William Grant Still is best known for his first symphony titled?
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What characteristics were found in the jazz style called 'businessman's bounce'?
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What was the main reason that dance bands expanded in size during the swing era?
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George Gershwin often collaborated with his brother ___________ who wrote lyrics.
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What elements of jazz did George Gershwin incorporate into 'Rhapsody in Blue'?
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What kind of music did Florence Price compose?
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Which composer established his reputation by writing large orchestral compositions during the 1920s and 1930s?
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What was the title of William Grant Still's opera that was eventually broadcast on television in 1981?
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What opera was written by Gershwin?
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What band leader commissioned George Gershwin to write 'Rhapsody in Blue'?
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William Grant Still studied composition formally at Oberlin College Conservatory.
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What orchestra premiered Still's work 'Afro-American Symphony'?
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What composition for piano and orchestra was one of the Gershwins' greatest hits?
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Study Notes
Jazz Age and Influential Figures
- The 1920s are referred to as the Jazz Age, marking the rise of jazz music in American culture.
- Paul Whiteman was a pioneer in incorporating jazz styles and rhythms into orchestral arrangements, shaping the genre's evolution.
- George Gershwin, commissioned by Whiteman, composed the iconic Rhapsody in Blue, merging classical and jazz influences.
- Gershwin is recognized as the man who successfully introduced jazz to concert halls, blending genres in a groundbreaking way.
- He passed away at 38 due to a brain tumor, leaving a significant impact on American music.
Contributions of Prominent Composers
- Florence Price made history as the first African American woman to compose a symphonic work performed by a major orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
- William Grant Still, known as the Dean of Afro-American composers, significantly contributed to American classical music, particularly with his Afro-American Symphony, the first by an African American to be performed by a major symphony orchestra.
- Florence B. Price focused on composing symphonic works, enhancing the richness of American classical music.
Musical Characteristics and Trends
- The "businessman’s bounce" jazz style is characterized by its strong danceability and incorporation of bowed string instruments.
- During the swing era, dance bands expanded in size as larger ensembles were needed to be heard in spacious dance halls, moving beyond small group formats.
Collaborations and Notable Works
- Gershwin frequently collaborated with his brother, Ira Gershwin, who provided lyrics for many of his famous compositions.
- In Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin infused jazz elements like rhythmic phrasing, sliding between notes, and blue notes that deviate from traditional scales.
- Still is credited with establishing his reputation through large orchestral works, further enriching American classical music.
Operas and Legacy
- William Grant Still’s opera, Bayou Legend, gained fame with a televised broadcast in 1981, showcasing his contributions to operatic composition.
- Gershwin's well-known opera, Porgy and Bess, remains a critical work in American musical theater.
Education and Performances
- William Grant Still studied composition formally at Oberlin College Conservatory, highlighting his academic background in music.
- The Rochester Philharmonic premiered Still's Afro-American Symphony, marking a pivotal moment in the recognition of African American composers in classical music.
Notable Compositions
- Rhapsody in Blue, a major piece for piano and orchestra by Gershwin, is celebrated as one of his greatest works, bridging the gap between classical and jazz genres.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the influence of early jazz on American classical music with this quiz based on Chapter 33. Test your knowledge on key figures and concepts, from the jazz age to orchestral innovations by artists like Paul Whiteman and George Gershwin. Perfect for music history enthusiasts!
