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An overview of American instrumental
popular piano music from mid-19th century to present.
“America” is used to designate the area
encompassing North, Central, and South America, and the
Caribbean islands. The course attempts to trace a history of
the genre by considering common roots and influences, the
differences that occurred in each region and between composers,
and the reasons for the great diversity. The comparative
analysis considers historical, cultural, social, and musical
components.
Suggested composers:
Louis Gottschalk, Ernesto Nazareth,
Chiquinha Gonzaga, Scott Joplin, James P. Johnson, Jelly Roll
Morton, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, George Gershwin,
Radamés Gnattali, Egberto Gismonti
Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Dave
Brubeck, Professor Longhair
Dr. John, Ernesto Lecuona, Astor
Piazzola, Hermeto Pascoal, Fats Waller
Exemplary works:
Gershwin, George: “Three Preludes”
Gismonti, Egberto: “Frevo”,
“Loro”
Gnattali, Radames: “Canhôto”
Gonzaga, Chiquinha: “Atraente”
Gottschalk, Louis: “The Banjo”,
“Ojos Criollos”
Joplin, Scott: “Bethena”, “Maple Leaf Rag”,
“Solace”
Johnson, James P: “Carolina Shout”
Lecuona, Ernesto: “La Comparsa”
(Dancas Afro Cubanas)
Monk, Thelonious: “Ruby My Dear”,
“Crepescule for Nellie”
Nazareth, Ernesto: “Odeon”,
“Fon-Fon”, “Batuque”
Pascoal, Hermeto: Selected Pieces from
“Calendârio do Som”
Ellington, Duke: “Single Petal of a Rose” (Queen’s Suite)
Waller, Fats: “Smashing Thirds”
