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The World of Music book cover
The World of Music, 5/e
David Willoughby

American Classical Music

Chapter Overview

Chapter 15 American Classical Music

A discussion of the context, composers, and styles of classical music in American culture

The second chapter on twentieth-century music focuses on classical music in America: its history, development, and place in society. It explores how Americans view classical music, the gap between classical and popular music, the balance between music as art and music that is available to the masses, and the importance of European composers in shaping classical music in America. The chapter presents music by the most renowned of American composers, music by successful women and black American composers, and music of three Pulitzer Prize winners in music—two of which are distinguished women composers.

Goals for Listening

  • Increase vocabulary
  • Refine listening skills
  • Describe nontraditional pitch relationships (melody, harmony)
  • Recognize nontraditional rhythms
  • Recognize nontraditional timbres