Top Ten American Composers

American Flag, in the public domain

As July Fourth approaches, we thought another Top Ten list would be nice for America's birthday, and so here are great living American composers you should listen to this summer!





10. Walter Mays (hear the Pro Arte Quartet play his String Quartet in g minor)
9. Andrew Waggoner (listen to a recent interview)
8. Mason Bates (Mimi Stillman plays Elements)
7. John Adams (St. Louis Symphony plays Dr. Atomic Symphony)
6. Steve Reich (great video interview about influences)
5. Kevin Puts (Einstein on Mercer Street with the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble)
4. Christopher Rouse (Elinor Frey plays Ricordanza)
3. Steven Stucky (new release of August 4, 1964)
2. Jennifer Higdon (has a new cd from Ft. Worth Symphony)

and the number one living American composer you should give a listen:

Augusta Read Thomas,
photo by Jason Smith used with permission

1. Augusta Read Thomas (The Lincoln Trio plays her Moon Jig)