 |
| 1 | |
Listen to, or watch, Scott Joplin's opera "Treemonisha" (Deutsche Grammophone CD #35709, conducted by Gunther Schuller) or (on a video by Kultur). What does this opera say about Scott Joplin as a popular music composer? How does it differ with George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" (another opera composed by a popular music genius). |
| | |
|
|
|
| 2 | |
By the mid 1970s Scott Joplin's music received a revival placing it in the position it enjoys even today. One of the major contributing factors to this revival was the 1973 movie "The Sting" (produced by George Ward Hill). Watch this film and keep in mind these two questions: How does Joplin's music enhance the drama? In what way(s) does the music not fit the movie? Discuss amongst your classmates the various opinions and reactions to this movie. |
| | |
|
|
|
| 3 | |
There are many Irving Berlin musicals available on video/DVD. A few of them include: Top Hat (staring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or This is the Army (staring Ronald Reagan) or Holiday Inn (staring Bing Crosby). Watch one of these and write a short paper on how, in the days before Music Video Television (MTV), popular music was introduced to mass audiences. |
| | |
|
|
|
| 4 | |
George Gershwin Remembered is an excellent documentary on the composer's life and times. Gershwin easily moved between concert hall, jazz club, and Hollywood studio musician. After watching this documentary, try to compare Gershwin's remarkable success with a contemporary musician who is working in a similar manner. Prepare a short class presentation about your contemporary musician and remember to make parallel comparisons with George Gershwin. |
| | |
|
|
|
| 5 | |
The 1920s Harlem Renaissance had a soundtrack all its own. In addition to James Reese Europe, others, like Will Marion Cook and William Tyres created music for the legendary "Clef Club," a professional organization for the advancement of black musicians and entertainers. Some of the music of that period is on New World Records CD 80611. Listen to this CD and compare the sound of this music to other music from this period of which you are familiar. In what ways is it different? The same? |
| | |
|
|