**This class will be taught on Zoom**
Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin are often considered some of the greatest songwriters in American music history, yet each of them experienced a vastly different upbringing as well as a unique musical style. Come join Dr. Thomas M. Cimarusti (Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University) as we explore the life and music of the legendary songsters. Participants will be invited to address several questions including: what constitutes a "great song?" How did such composers write songs, and in the case of Berlin, without much formal music training? Select songs by each of the composers will be discussed including Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band and "Cheek to Cheek"; Porters, "Anything Goes" and "Begin the Beguine"; and Gershwin's "Summertime" and "I've Got Rhythm."
Week 1: American's Schubert: Irving Berlin, bio sketch, transposing keyboard, analysis/discussion of select songs ("Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Cheek to Cheek," "Puttin' on the Ritz," "Blue Skies), rare video footage of Berlin singing, conclusions (What makes for a great song?)
Week 2: A Most Luxuriant Composer: Cole Porter, bio sketch, from riches to more riches, the riding accent, analysis/discussion of select songs ("Anything Goes," "Night and Day," "Begin the Beguine"), clip from Porter documentary, conclusions (Comparing Berlin and Porter)
Week 3: And the Livin' is Easy: George Gershwin, bio sketch, influence of jazz, analysis of select works ("Summertime," "Rhapsody in Blue," and "I've Got Rhythm"), rare video footage Gershwin plays Gershwin, conclusions (Gershwin's musical fingerprint); course wrap-up
