Composers
LeRoy Anderson (1908-1975) was an American composer of short, light concert pieces. LeRoy Anderson wrote "The Typewriter" for orchestra in 1950. Here it is performed by the National Orchestra and Chorus of Spain in Madrid on June 12, 2011. The typewriter soloist is Alfredo Anaya. As you listen, watch his face; he has fun expressions. A typewriter is a writing tool that has been replaced by iPads and computers. If you were writing a piece now, what tool would you use?
This is a rhythm piece created with basketballs by a group called Stomp. How did they make the different layers of sound? Did you hear places where they use a rest (a beat with no sound)? Stomp uses things around them to make music. What could you use to make music? Your soccer ball? Your backpack? An empty box? Look around for things to tap to make music. Ask an adult before you tap or hit things in your home.
Spanish flamenco guitar music has its roots in Indian music. Compare this piece with the next video of music on an Indian sitar.
Anoushka Shankar plays her sitar, a stringed instrument from India.
Adagio from Concerto de Aranjuaz by Joaquin Rodrigo
Listen to Ella Fitzgerald, the Great Lady of jazz, sing Summertime in a concert.