American Gothic (composition)

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

Instrumentation

January (1939) Grant Wood, setting of Michael Daugherty's 2nd movement, "Winter Dreams"

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.

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.

Discography

• Michael Daugherty -- American Gothic (2014)

References

• Artist's Page, Bill Holab Music."Michael Daugherty". Bill Holab Music. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
• Clague, Mark (November 26, 2013). Daugherty, Michael (Kevin). New Groves Dictionary of American Music (2nd edition, Vol 2 ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 548–550. ISBN 9780195314281.
• "Michael Daugherty Wins Best Contemporary Classical Composition". Grammy.com. The Recording Academy. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
• Nollen, Diana. "REVIEW: Daugherty's American Gothic paints new pictures with thrilling sonic sweeps". Hoopla. The Gazette/KCRG. Retrieved 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