William Grant Still - 3

Born in Mississippi William Grant Still was the first African American composer to have music performed by a major symphony orchestra and the first African American to conduct (lead) a major symphony orchestra ( The Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1936). HIs music has been performed all over the world and is still very popular. Here are some examples:

Afro-American Symphony (first Movement)

Ennanga

Danzas De Panama

Clara Schumann-2

During her lifetime (1819-1896), Clara Schumann was known as a concert pianist--in fact, she was considered one of the greatest pianists of her day! As a child, she gave her first public performance at the age of eight, and at the age of eleven, she toured all over Europe. Since she performed the music of other composers, her own compositions were not often performed during her lifetime. Today, Schumann's  music is very well known, and now you know her music too!

Here are a few examples:

Scherzo in C minor

Trio (music for violin, cello, and piano)

Piano Concerto in A minor (this is a lengthy selection- the first few minutes will give you  a taste)

John Williams -1

Without a doubt John Williams is one of America's best known composers. He was born in 1932 to a musical family- his father played the drums.  He studied music in college and played in the US Air Force band. He started writing music for movies in the nineteen fifties. When he was 29 years old he won his first academy award ( one of many) for the movie "Fiddler on the Roof". He then wrote the music for "Jaws" winning another academy award. His most well known work is the music for "Star Wars" - this is music that is known around the world! He also wrote the music for the Harry Potter movies!

Here are some examples:

Indiana Jones

Jurassic Park

The Fiddler on the Roof