This article is about a music festival held at the Julliard School that focused on main stream American composers following the 25 years after the World War II. Some composers that are familiar such as Copland and Bernstein were heard in the festival; however, many that were not expected to be heard such as Vincent Persichetti, Walter Piston and William Schuman, were performed in the festival. These composers are no longer really heard in concert halls anymore but rather are studied in history books.
One of the songs performed was Schuman’s “In Sweet Music: Serenade on the Setting of Shakspear.” The performance left mixed reviews. Although the student performed thoroughly, they didn’t leave the audience wanting more. It was quit bland and lingered on too long. The festival also included “Pistons String Quartet No.5,” “Persichetti’s Serenade No. 12,” William Grant Still’s “Songs of Seperation,” and two striking piano works. There was an assortment of works performed with varying reactions, but overall a lovely night of music appreciation.
Kozinn, Allan. "The Focus! Festival: Composers Who Made the Center Hold." New York Times. 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010.
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