American Gothic (composition) explained

American Gothic is an orchestral composition by the American composer Michael Daugherty.^[1] The approximately 20-minute work is composed in three movements inspired by the paintings of the Iowan artist Grant Wood (1891-1942).^[2] Daugherty is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa,^[3] where the piece premiered on May 4, 2013, at Cedar Rapids' Paramount Theatre, with Timothy Hankewich, conductor.^[4]

Instrumentation

Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (3 players), harp, piano, and strings.^[5]

Movements

1. On a Roll
2. Winter Dreams
3. Pitchfork

Reception

The world premiere of American Gothic received a strongly favorable review, noting the 1,000+ listeners in attendance and the enthusiastic reception of Daugherty's groundbreaking foray into orchestral bluegrass in the third movement.^[6]

Discography

• Michael Daugherty -- American Gothic (2014)^[7]

References

• Artist's Page, Bill Holab Music.Web site: Michael Daugherty. Bill Holab Music. 27 July 2015.
• Book: Clague. Mark. Daugherty, Michael (Kevin). New Groves Dictionary of American Music. November 26, 2013. Oxford University Press. 9780195314281. 548–550. 2nd edition, Vol 2.
• Web site: Michael Daugherty Wins Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Grammy.com. The Recording Academy. 27 July 2015.
• Web site: Nollen. Diana. REVIEW: Daugherty's American Gothic paints new pictures with thrilling sonic sweeps. Hoopla. The Gazette/KCRG. 27 July 2015.
• Orchestra Iowa and Timothy Hankewich. Michael Daugherty: American Gothic. (2014) Copyright—Orchestra Iowa/Iowa Arts Media (735885407223)

External links

• Michael Daugherty website

Notes and References

1. Web site: Michael Daugherty Wins Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Grammy.com. The Recording Academy. 27 July 2015.
2. Album notes. Orchestra Iowa and Timothy Hankewich. Michael Daugherty: American Gothic. (2014) Copyright--Orchestra Iowa/Iowa Arts Media (735885407223).
3. Book: Clague. Mark. Daugherty, Michael (Kevin). New Groves Dictionary of American Music. November 26, 2013. Oxford University Press. 9780195314281. 548–550. 2nd edition, Vol 2.
4. Web site: Nollen. Diana. REVIEW: Daugherty's American Gothic paints new pictures with thrilling sonic sweeps. Hoopla. The Gazette/KCRG. 27 July 2015.
5. Web site: Michael Daugherty. Bill Holab Music. 27 July 2015.
6. Nollen, REVIEW
7. Orchestra Iowa and Timothy Hankewich