composers

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.

A brief biography of the German musician who composed some of his greatest works after he became deaf.

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.

Tells the life story of jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist Duke Ellington, describing his childhood, his achievements, and his legacy.

Discusses the life and career of the eighteenth-century German composer and organist Johann Sebastian Bach.

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.".