jmc's classics
When we think of Classical Music we do not associate it with Oklahoma. Roy Harris (1998-1979) was a classical composer from Oklahoma. He is mainly known for his Third Symphony which dates from 1939. It was originally commissioned by Hans Kindler. It was premiered by Conductor Serge Koussevitzky. It only lasts 18 minutes and is in one movement. I have recently purchased a CD of it on the Deutsche Grammophon label with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. It is coupled with William Schumann's third Symphony. This is the most famous CD of this work.
He wrote about a dozen other symphonies which are not as popular. Some have choral parts. He wrote a violin concerto which I am not familiar with. He also wrote chamber music and songs. He along with Roger Sessions (1896-1985) and Peter Mennin (1923-1983) founded the American composers Alliance in 1958. This is a group that promotes and publishes works of American contemporary Classical composers. It is known as the ACA composers.com is their web page. Oklahoma is is known for Country Music and has produced a lot of Great singers of that Genre. It also produced Woody Guthrie the Father of Arlo Guthrie. I am not as much in to Country Music. I do like some songs. Much of the lyrics in country Music are depressing. Much of Mahler's music is also depressing. I have never been to Oklahoma. There are a lot of good American Classical composers. Much of them are not as famous or well-known.
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