Robert Greenberg
Historian, Composer, Pianist, Speaker, Author
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Dr. Bob Prescribes William Schumann
April 16th, 2019
William Schuman (1910-1992) circa 1965 In last week’s Dr. Bob Prescribes post, I asserted that the composers Roy Harris (1898-1979) and his student William Schuman (1910-1992): “are generally considered to be the two greatest American composers of symphonies to have yet graced our planet.” I have received no evidence in the intervening week that that statement isn’t as true today as it was on April 9. Accordingly, I will (and not for the first time)…
Music History Monday: The Empress
April 15th, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqeNtqywBEA Bessie Smith performing W.C. Handy’s St. Louis Blues in a 16-minute movie of that name, filmed in 1929. It is the only known movie of Empress Smith” Today we celebrate the birth – on April 15, 1894, 125 years ago today, in Chattanooga, Tennessee – of the American contralto Bessie Smith. Bessie Smith We…
Dr. Bob Prescribes: Roy Harris
April 9th, 2019
Roy Harris (1898-1979) I continue on my self-avowed mini-mission to bring to you some of the most glorious music (and recorded performances) I know, music by mid-century, so-called American “populist” composers. This week and next will feature symphonies by two composers who are generally considered to be the two greatest American composers of symphonies to…
Music History Monday: The Daughters of Atlas
April 8th, 2019
I am aware – nay, more than aware – that this present post is an example of unconscionable conceit and vanity. Of this I stand justly accused; my head droops in shame and my present auto-flagellation will continue for minutes – perhaps for even the half-an-hour – to come. What, you rightly ask, could have… Robert Greenberg | Copyright © 2019 All Rights Reserved