Event—Adult Education

The Interwar American Accent of George Gershwin, Kurt Weill, and William Grant Still

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Dive into the work and artistic exchange between three interwar composers: George Gershwin, Kurt Weill, and William Grant Still.

George Gershwin on TIME magazine cover, 1925. Source: Time Magazine, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Class Description

The interwar period, specifically 1920-1930, featured an energetic interplay of European classical music with an emerging American sound. 

Coined the “American accent,” this combination of jazz and the American musical proved an irresistible formula for utilizing the new technologies of the time, storytelling and political theatre, and enjoying an unprecedented commercial success and popularity among the public. 

This class will highlight the work and artistic exchange between three interwar composers: George Gershwin, Kurt Weill, and William Grant Still.

Elizabeth Newkirk is an American classical pianist and writer. She specializes in music of the early 20th century, and her scholarship explores American culture, mannerisms, and archetypes. A passionate humanist, she values a broad perspective for an enriched assimilation of the arts.

    Materials List

    • No Required Materials

    First Reading

    • No first reading assignment

    Cost and Registration

    One Session, $53 ($48 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

    To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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