This month, as the American anniversary approaches, we feature the many hours of keyboard works recorded for Spirio that are part of America’s musical heritage.

Over two centuries, music in America evolved from early psalmody, spirituals and sacred works.

Classical music was first very much influenced by European traditions with programmatic composers like Edward MacDowell and Charles Griffes and important female composers such as Florence Price and Amy Beach. But its uniquely American voice was heard in composers from Harry Burleigh to Charles Ives to Aaron Copland to Philip Glass.

America was the birthplace of new genres of music.

Ragtime was a phenomenon. The piano was its medium, and Scott Joplin its most celebrated composer. Though Joplin considered Ragtime a classical form, it was part of the foundation, along with blues, spirituals and African American culture of the south – especially New Orleans – that gave birth to America’s cultural landmark, Jazz Music. Pianist/composers were an important part of this development from James P. Johnson  “Jelly Roll” Morton and Fats Waller, to the giant of jazz composers, Steinway Immortal, Duke Ellington.

The legacy of artists from Art Tatum to Thelonious Monk to so many of the today’s top names in jazz is richly presented on Spirio.

The early 20th century saw the development of another uniquely American phenomenon, the musical play. Set apart from European Operetta and popularized on Broadway, musicals are the source of much of the American Songbook. Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin Richard Rodgers and so many others have created this essential part of our musical world.

Of course, the later part of the 20th century brings the overwhelming prevalence of what is now known as pop music, which has its own American legacy. While the guitar dominated, the piano has played a part. For Spirio, we have adapted many of the most popular tunes for piano. So along with Billy Joel, you’ll find everything from Burt Bacharach to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen to Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys to Lady Gaga and many of the latest hits.

Featured Spiriocasts

explore the MUSIC

Each month we feature highlights from the Spirio catalog. Learn more about the artists, the history and the music found exclusively on Spirio.

The new Steinway & Sons Spirio is the world’s finest high resolution player piano. A masterpiece of artistry and engineering in your home, Spirio enables you to enjoy performances captured by great pianists — played with such nuance, power and passion that they are utterly indistinguishable from live performance. Learn more about Spirio.

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