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Archive: 2011 (140 Posts)

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The Bad Boy of Music

Posted by: Cait Miller

The following is a guest post from Music Archivist Chris Hartten. George Antheil radicalized musical composition in ways that few before him had ever attempted. Born at the turn of the twentieth century in Trenton, New Jersey, Antheil traveled to Europe in 1922 to pursue “ultra-modernist” composition with financial support from arts patroness and Curtis …

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Pic of the Week: from Almeida to Zorn Edition

Posted by: Pat Padua

September 2 marks the birthdays of two very different musician/ composers whose works grace the Music Division’s storied vaults. Classical guitarist Laurindo Almeida was born on this day in 1917.  His career ran the gamut from Sao Paulo radio to Hollywood session man, and he worked with a range of artists from Villa-Lobos and Carmen …

Woman with dark hair, fancy dress and pearls with eyes closed and mouth slightly open, singing

Pic of the Week: August Birthdays Edition

Posted by: Pat Padua

As August draws to a close, In the Muse would like to catch up on a number of birthdays you may have missed. August 4, which is the day we celebrated Louis Armstrong’s birthday,  was also the birthday of film composer David Raksin, who donated sketches and scores from films like Laura, Forever Amber, and Carrie …

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In Memoriam: Nick Ashford and Jerry Leiber

Posted by: Pat Padua

In the Muse was sad to learn of the passing of two great songwriters. Nick Ashford and Jerry Leiber were both part of songwriting teams that helped define American popular music for different generations. The songs of Leiber and partner  Mike Stoller have been performed by a full spectrum of artists, from Elvis Presley to …

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Ladies and Gentlemen… start your seasons!

Posted by: Cait Miller

The following is a guest post from House Manager of the Concert Office, Solomon HaileSelassie. It’s August in Washington and there is record heat, high humidity, Congress is in recess and children everywhere are creating havoc as their school year draws near. But cultural institutions are strapping in — press releases are flying in from …