20th-Century Modern Nationalism & Avant-Garde Composers

Vocabulary flashcards covering modern nationalism, avant-garde principles, and key 20th-century American composers Philip Glass, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin, along with several of their notable works.

Modern Nationalism (20th-century music)

A looser musical movement where nationalist composers combined modern techniques with folk materials.

Avant-Garde (music)

Cutting-edge, experimental compositions that challenge traditional norms, use new sounds, unconventional techniques, and ignore standard harmony, melody, and rhythm rules.

Philip Glass (1937– )

New York–born avant-garde composer whose output totals about 170 works; explored ballet, opera, theater, film, TV jingles, and co-created the four-hour opera "Einstein on the Beach."

Einstein on the Beach

Four-hour opera by Philip Glass and theater conceptualist Robert Wilson; became an instant sell-out at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.

Music in Similar Motion

A notable musical composition by Philip Glass.

Music in Changing Parts

Another significant composition by Philip Glass.

Satyagraha

Philip Glass opera listed among his famous works.

Akhnaten

Opera by Philip Glass included in his catalog of famous works.

Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990)

Massachusetts-born charismatic conductor, pianist, composer, and lecturer; known for stage compositions and the TV series "Young People’s Concerts."

West Side Story

Leonard Bernstein musical based on a modern adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet."

Candide

Broadway work composed by Leonard Bernstein.

Young People’s Concerts

Television lecture series by Leonard Bernstein remembered for music education.

George Gershwin (1898–1937)

New York-born composer dubbed the "Father of American Jazz"; wrote 369 works spanning orchestral, chamber, theater, film, opera, and songs.

Rhapsody in Blue

Famous orchestral composition by George Gershwin.

An American in Paris

Orchestral work by George Gershwin inspired by his impressions of Paris.

Porgy and Bess

George Gershwin opera noted among his celebrated works.

La La Lucille

Early Broadway musical by George Gershwin, first produced in 1919.