In addition, for the celebrated composer nyc was the provider of creativity, musical talent and incredible sites for it all to take place. Exploring this cultural side to the city can be of much interest to both the enthusiast and those that just enjoy their music.
New York is the origin of several varied musical styles. Examples of these are salsa, hip hop, punk rock and disco that all originated here. Perhaps not originating within the city, blues, rock and jazz have all been welcomed here where they have large numbers of followers.
It is the belief of some that the many different styles of music thrive here due to the divergent and large numbers of population groups that have successfully settled in the city. More evidence of the large number of styles is the successful classical style, including operas and ballet which is also a dominant force throughout the region.
It is difficult and perhaps unfair to single out a few from the vast number of accomplished composers. Some do seem to linger in the memory. One such major contributor is Leonard Bernstein. Having worked with both the NYC Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras he had the added talent of being a highly skilled conductor. His noteworthy classical compositions comprise the Serenade for violin, strings and percussion and Prelude, Fugue and Riffs for solo clarinet and jazz ensemble. It is not unlikely though that his most remembered work will be his collaborative effort on the box office hit West Side Story.
Bob Dylan is another favourite son of the city. Born in Minnesota he relocated here in 1960 and was prolific in composition, song writing and as a performer. Among his more noteworthy pieces are Blowin in the Wind. Dylan was very much part of the protest movement that was active in America during his early career. Much of his work exposed social ills within society and opposed US involvement in military conflict.
George Gershwin is another great name who was born, bred and worked in New York. Among his massive volumes of work are the haunting melodies Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime. Amazingly George left school at only 15 and started his professional career by playing in clubs. Many of these were in the Tin Pan Alley area. Tragically a brain tumour caused the premature death of this genius of music at age thirty-eight.
From Brooklyn, Aaron Copland was another born and bred New Yorker. As a composer he was enormously talented and prolific. Interestingly he also made a name for himself writing and teaching as well as conducting many of his own works. He had been described as a populist because his public found it easy to embrace his music especially the widely successful Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid and Rodeo compositions.
As it happened for so many a composer nyc became the place to be. A place that was either the birthplace of music legends or a irresistible attraction to others. Lesser know today is William Schuman. He desperately wanted to become a base ball player, but eventually followed his other passion for music. An astounding composer he produced eight symphonies and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music. The list of greatness has continued to grow over the years and names like John Lennon and Billy Joel have now joined this hall of fame.
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