I've been using ChatGPT to help me identify "American" classical music composers and then the year of composition for specific works. I then asked it to summarize the session. This is surprisingly useful:
| Composition | Composer | Year | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilacs | George Walker | 1995 | Pulitzer Prize-winning work for soprano and orchestra, based on Walt Whitman's poem, emotional depth. |
| Lyric for Strings | George Walker | 1946 | Lyrical and emotional piece for string orchestra, compared to Barber's Adagio for Strings. |
| Piano Concerto | George Walker | 1975 | Technically demanding, complex orchestration, showcases Walker's virtuosity as a pianist. |
| Guido's Hand | George Walker | 1986 | Modernist string quartet with intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies, exploring musical history. |
| Aheym | Bryce Dessner | 2009 | For string quartet, combines minimalist elements with intense emotional expression, inspired by Jewish heritage. |
| Duet | Steve Reich | 1993 | Short, lyrical piece for two violins and string orchestra, dedicated to Yehudi Menuhin, peaceful and melodic. |
| p r i s m | Ellen Reid | 2018 | Pulitzer Prize-winning opera exploring trauma and healing, using shifting musical styles and vivid staging. |
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