Learn about instruments and compositional techniques. Also, explore various musical styles and meet musicians featured on Knowitall.
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The clarinet was the last of the principal woodwind instruments to join the orchestra. The modern clarinet evolved from earlier forms in the early 1700's—later than the modern oboe, bassoon, and flute...
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In this first segment on Civil War piano music, Dr. David B. Thompson briefly discusses the life of African American composer Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins, and plays one of his works.
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Dr. Thompson details South Carolinian composers and publishers during the Civil War. One such composer was from Columbia: Lizzie C. Orchard, and Dr. Thompson plays an excerpt from “Major General Wade...
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Dr. Thompson goes into how many composers during the Civil War would write variations on classic songs during the period. He plays several examples of arrangements of “The Bonnie Blue Flag,” and...
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Dr. Thompson explains how families loved their pianos, and often-times, pianos would be center-pieces in peoples' lives.
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In this segment, Dr. Thompson analyzes how songs composed during the war reflected Southern virtuosity: writing and naming songs for Confederate heroes.
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Dr. Thompson outlines the importance of Confederate music publishers, and how they played a crucial role in distributing music throughout the South. He then discusses the different styles of music...
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The American Civil War shaped every aspect of life in the South, including music. Along with songs and military band music published in the South during the war, a considerable repertoire of solo...
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Corinna gives the story behind the carol and The Sumter High School Concert Choir performs God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.
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Tori gives the story behind the carol and The Junior Stinger Singers of Irmo Middle School sings Away In A Manger.