Classical Music for July 4: Beyond the Usual Suspects

This post wasn’t planned. It just sort of happened when I fell down a research rabbit hole.

Every year as the U.S. Independence Day approaches, I consider purchasing some seasonally appropriate music. While I love many music genres, for some reason I gravitate toward classical music for July 4. I already have a collection of marches by John Philip Sousa, a recording of Aaron Copland’s Rodeo and Billy the Kid, and Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite, along with a few individual pieces, such as “Chester” from William Schuman’s New England Triptych: Three Pieces for Orchestra After William Billings.

This year, as I contemplated buying some Duke Ellington (yes, he wrote classical music, too), I wondered: What else could I add to my collection to diversify it? I began poking around, discovered some gems, and this playlist was born. All of these pieces are by U.S. composers, and all of them sound, in my mind, distinctly “American,” because they draw on influences such as jazz, spirituals, and even high school marching bands. Most of these were new to me, and I’m willing to bet that many will be new to you, too.

Note: You may have to be content to sample some of these on YouTube. For instance, I found one Naxos recording that included a single piece by Viet Cuong (not the one on this list). I found a few more of his pieces on Spotify, but only one movement from Re(new)al. Unfortunately, it isn’t the one that really made me think, “Re(new)al belongs on this list!”

Re(new)al – Viet Cuong

I was introduced to Cuong’s music just over a week ago at a St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concert, and I liked what I heard. When I decided I wanted to diversify my Independence Day music collection, I thought of him and wondered, “Do any of his pieces sound distinctly American?” As a matter of fact, the answer is “yes.” Cuong was a member of a high school’s marching band. You can hear the influence in Re(new)al. As far as I’m concerned, anything that is evocative of the half-time show during a football game qualifies as “distinctly American.” (Be patient. The marching band section starts around 4:45.)

From Atlanta to the Sea – Frank Duarte

Frank Duarte wrote this march in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the song “Marching Through Georgia.” Popular with the Union Army, the song celebrates General Sherman’s March to the Sea. Duarte drew inspiration not only from that song but from Sousa’s marches and songs such as “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and the U.S. “Army Song.”

Suite From The River – Duke Ellington

If your knowledge of Ellington’s music is confined to his excellent jazz standards like “Satin Doll” and “Take the ‘A’ Train,” you absolutely must check out his Suite from The River. While you’re at it, listen to Black, Brown, and Beige, another appropriate pick for an Independence Day playlist.

Bethena Waltz – Scott Joplin

Pretty much anything by Scott Joplin would fit comfortably on this list. I chose “Bethena Waltz” simply because I think it is a gorgeous piece.

Einstein on 6th Street – Daniel Montoya

Daniel Montoya’s “Einstein on 6th Street” was inspired by American composer Philip Glass’ opera Einstein on the Beach. He also draws inspiration from the numerous live music performances that can be found in venues on 6th Street in Austin, Texas.

Fantasie Negre no. 1 – Florence Price

Florence Price was a Black composer active during the first half of the 20th century. Inspired by a spiritual, “Fantasie Negre no. 1” easily belongs on this list of American music. Listen, and I think you’ll agree with me that it’s stunning. Then read James Bennett’s essay and ponder the fact that the world of classical music isn’t all that different from pop music. You hear a relatively small number of songs over and over, while other songs are sadly neglected.

Symphony #1 – William Grant Still

Other than Ellington, William Grant Still was the only other composer on this list I knew before I started researching diverse American composers… and, sadly, I know relatively little about him. His Afro-American Symphony draws on the blues and spirituals.

Chokfi (Rabbit): Sarcasm for String Orchestra and Percussion – Jerod Tate

Jerod Tate’s “Chokfi” is, in his words, a “character sketch” of the trickster rabbit that appears in Southeast American Indian cultures. He also incorporated a Muscogee Creek church hymn in the music.

Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman #1 – Joan Tower

In 1986, Joan Tower wrote her first “Fanfare of the Uncommon Woman.” She’s followed it up with five more fanfares, the latest of which was written in 2016. If you’re well-acquainted with classical music, you’ll know from the title alone that Tower was inspired by Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” a staple of many Independence Day playlists.

Where to Look for Additional Inspiration

It wasn’t difficult for me to find information on Florence Price and Joan Tower through simple Google searches for Black composers and American female composers. Beyond that, one of my best resources for researching diverse composers was the Composer Diversity Database. There’s lots of good information there; I’ve only scratched the surface so far. In addition, I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about American Indian composers in the NPR article “American Indian Composers Go Classical.”