Looks at influences and historical events while tracing the life of the American Jewish composer who created a new kind of music that has lasted beyond the fashion of his time.
In January of 1924, a twenty-six-year-old pianist, George Gershwin, finds himself slated to compose, in only five weeks, a concerto that defines "American music, " and the result is his masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue.
Wolfgang Mozart finds the inspiration to compose a new piano concerto from his pet starling and the sounds heard through the streets of eighteenth-century Vienna, Austria.
A brief introduction to the life and accomplishments of American composer and pianist Scott Joplin that covers his childhood, early playing history, and achievements as a ragtime composer. Includes a time line.
Presents a short biography on late nineteenth-century African American pianist and composer, Scott Joplin, and chronicles his life and career as one of the country's greatest composers of ragtime music.
Presents a short biography of nineteenth-century German composer Richard Wagner and chronicles his life and works including "The Ring of the Nibelung.".
Presents a short biography of early twentieth-century, Russian-born, American composer Igor Stravinsky and chronicles some of his works including "The Rite of Spring" and "The Firebird and Petrushka.".