An Analysis Of George Gershwin s An American Folk Opera

â€Å"An American Folk Opera.† George Gershwin’s most successful piece of expansive musical drama was subtitled with this term that no musician or critic had applied to a work of musical drama before the 1935 premiere of Porgy and Bess. Much has been written about the work’s subtitle; its literal meaning, its evolution, and its implications for a changing cultural landscape. Porgy and Bess was the last in a triptych of literature and theater surrounding the character of Porgy, a crippled beggar living in Charleston’s semi-fictitious Catfish Row. Porgy, the 1925 novel written by white author DuBose Heyward, was â€Å"the original.† The novel received mixed reviews; white critics praised Heyward’s vivid descriptions of â€Å"the life of the Negro† while†¦show more content†¦Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, â€Å"From the New World† was based upon â€Å"spirituals and plantation song from the South.† Bartok’s Ten Easy Pieces for piano were heavily influenced by â€Å"folk melody [that was] a kind of inspirational motto to be developed.† Gershwin understood there to be a need for a truly American voice in music, comparable to those of the great nationalist European composers, recognizing that â€Å"The only kinds of music which endure are those which possess form in the universal sense and folk music. All else dies.† Similar to Dvorak in his ninth symphony, the idiom that Gershwin employed for his opera was that of the Negro spiritual and folk song. Before composing Porgy and Bess, Gershwin made a trek down to Charleston, South Carolina and some of its outlying island communities with the purpose of studying â€Å"rural African American† culture. It was there that he became immersed in the music of that community and it was there that he garnered his inspiration for the opera’s score. Again harkening to the traditions of the European masters, Gershwin decided against the note-for-note transcription of the songs he had heard, but rather used them as inspiration for a continuous musical narrative of folk-inspired themes. Thus, we arrive at the term â€Å"folk opera.† Gershwin’s use of African American folk material in the composition of an opera gave rise to the literal terminologyShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of the Music Industry30024 Words   |  121 Pagesjazz and world music). In mainstream music, recording and marketing are now dominated by just four `majors worldwide, one of which is the UK s own giant record company, EMI Group PLC. The other majors are Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, based in the US, and Sony BMG, a Japanese/German joint venture only created in 2004. One of EMI s major strengths is its historic catalogue of recordings — and copyrights — which includes The Beatles and many other enduring acts of the last century

A case study of the UK flooding the river Uck, East Sussex, October 2000 Free Essays

During the wet season of October the Sussex the Uck-Ouse basin burst it banks and caused major flooding in the surrounding towns mainly a small town called Uckfield. Upstream of the town of Uckfield slopes are very steep and so runoff happens very quickly after rainfall. However the River Uck flood plain is relatively undeveloped, with natural flood plains remaining. We will write a custom essay sample on A case study of the UK flooding: the river Uck, East Sussex, October 2000 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Here land management practices are well adapted to flooding. The flooding in the central part of the Ouse catchments on Thursday 12th October 2000 was preceded by 3 days of storms and heavy rain across the whole area. The ground became increasingly waterlogged, and there was widespread, localised flooding from surface water run-off. Uckfield flooded dramatically from about 5.00am on the 12th October, with river levels rising rapidly to a peak between 9.00am and 10.00am, at which point a torrent of water up to 1.9m deep, was flowing through the town centre causing considerable damage. Barcombe and Lewes filled up and widespread flooding in Lewes started at about 1.00pm, as the rising river backed up behind the Cliffe Bridge and overtopped the flood defences at a number of locations. Within about an hour or so the flood defences throughout the town were completely overwhelmed and the town centre rapidly filled with floodwater. Many hundreds of people were stranded and had to be rescued by the Emergency Services in boats. By the time the floodwaters peaked at about 9.30pm, some parts of Lewes were less than 3.6m of water. As the flows passing downstream from Barcombe continued to increase at a rapid rate, the floodwaters weired over the river walls and surged through the streets and open areas in Lewes, rapidly filling up sections of the urban floodplain to a depth of 1m in about half an hour. The Police abandoned the centre of town, and the evacuation turned into a rescue operation as the RNLI and Emergency Services used inflatable lifeboats to reach people suddenly trapped in their homes or businesses. The flood devastated the centres of Uckfield and Lewes, as well as causing significant damage to surrounding rural properties and the farming community. * long periods of drying out and repair mean that many homes have remained uninhabitable for many months after the event, with residents having to live in alternative, temporary accommodation; * similarly, many businesses remain closed months after the flood, and a small number are believed to have closed permanently; * a long term loss of trade, both for the flooded businesses, and for the wider business community; * widespread concerns about property values and insurance; * losses of agricultural crops and livestock; * impact on County Council Social Services provision due to the loss of day centres and buses; * long term damage to road surfaces, and widespread blockage of highways drainage systems; * impact on Lewes District Council’s housing provision due to temporary re-accommodation of flood victims; * disruption to the Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service due to the temporary loss of several of their buildings, including their control centres, and loss of vehicles; * in Lewes, 118 Listed Buildings and 230 other ‘traditional’ buildings within the Conservation Area were damaged, requiring specialist repair; * long term needs for emotional support amongst some. This means that the upper and middle sections of the catchments become quickly saturated following heavy rainfall. During wet periods a large proportion of the rainfall will quickly run-off into the river system rather than drain through the ground, and this effect is exacerbated by the hilly nature of the upper parts of the catchment. * increasing the amount and rate of surface water run-off, thereby increasing flows; * reducing the area available for flood storage, thereby increasing peak levels; * reducing the area available for flood flow conveyance, thereby increasing peak levels, contributing to rapid inundation and high flood velocities, and extending the period of flooding. * River flows were increasing very rapidly at this time and continued to do so for several hours after the flood defences were overtopped. * The upstream flood storage areas were already ‘full’ so that the majority of the flood flows passed straight downstream to Lewes with little attenuation. * Once overtopped, the flood defences acted like weirs allowing large volumes of water to pass over them in a short space of time, rapidly filling the low lying areas behind them, with high velocities being witnessed where flows were channelled through narrow gaps. * The natural narrowing flood plain as it approaches Lewes, together with the artificial obstructions across its path in Lewes (Phoenix Causeway, Mayhew Way, Cliffe High Street shops) severely reduces the ability of the flood plain through Lewes to convey flood waters, causing levels to rise higher still. *  It is an obvious point, but maybe worth stating, that the 12th October 2000 flood inundated the floodplain – so named for a good reason. The devastating impact of the flood was because large numbers of properties have over the years been built on the floodplain, and although artificial flood defences or river improvement works have protected those properties from more frequent flooding events, all property constructed on the flood plain is at risk of flooding occasionally. The Environment Agency’s Flood Warning slogan of â€Å"You cannot prevent flooding, you can only prepare for it†. The existing flood defences were overwhelmed by the 12th October 2000 flood flows and it may be possible to justify future improvements to raise the current standards of defence to protect against an event of similar magnitude. A number of options are likely to be considered in the forthcoming Catchment Strategy Plan being commissioned by the Environment Agency. However, given the extreme severity of 12th October 2000 event, and the nature of the long-standing government rules and arrangements for project appraisal and flood defence funding, we do not believe that it is reasonable to assume that they should already have been of such a standard. Nevertheless we believe that there are a number of important issues relating to the existing flood defences in Lewes which need to be urgently addressed, in particular the apparently poor condition of many of the river walls through the town, and the long term settlement in the upstream flood embankments. The floodwalls were breached or damaged in at least 8 locations through the town, and the sudden failure of the river wall at Phoenix Industrial Estate is particularly worrying. The flooding took many residents by surprise, and it is clear that the Environment Agency and a significant number of affected residents have very different perceptions about the performance of the flood warning system. This is partly an issue of communication and education. We believe that it is important that the Environment Agency vigorously continues its efforts to educate local residents, and that it is explicit about its actual responsibilities and capabilities. With the benefit of hindsight, we also believe that a number of important improvements in the flood warning and forecasting service can be identified, and should be undertaken. These would not have had any impact on the extent, speed or depth of the actual flooding, but they may have meant that for many, vehicles, stock, or precious personal possessions might have been saved. How to cite A case study of the UK flooding: the river Uck, East Sussex, October 2000, Free Case study samples

Personal Narrative The Diagnosis Essay Example

Personal Narrative The Diagnosis Essay Its been 10 long months of having restless nights and going back and forth to the hospital.I remember walking into Smilow Cancer hospital for the first time. I didnt know what to expect really.I just thought that it would be a depressing place, but its not. All the patients are so positive and full of joy.At the time I didnt understand why, but now I do.It was because they made it through one more day, and beat cancer before it beat them. December 22, 2013.I was in the medical transportation with my grandmother ( I call her Nana) heading back home.I got a room call from where we had just left.It was my mother. She said that there was something wrong with her and to write something down but she had no idea what it was because he was just walking around and finishing up her Christmas shopping!The driver noticed my urgency and handed me the note pad. I did t know what was going on, but at the same it, I knew. I knew that my mom was ill form the start. We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Narrative The Diagnosis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Narrative The Diagnosis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Narrative The Diagnosis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I even did some research about two weeks before.Her thyroids were inflamed, she was weak and always drowsy, run down. I know what your thinking, YOU CANT ALWAYS TRUST THE INTERNET. Like my father says.Now, Im no doctorbut cancer is far too familiar with my family. December 23,2013. I was just at my dads house celebrating Christmas because my mom was in the hospital he was willing to switch the visitation time so I can be with her for Christmas.Me, still not knowing exactly whats wrong, just thought that he was overreacting, but it was nice of him.As I was walking down the hall making my way to her room, the smells gave me flashbacks of when my grandmother used to be at the hospital all the time because of her series of mini strokes (Ive lost count). The general smell was that powder for the gloves that the doctors and nurses put on and clean sweat There really isnt any other way to describe it. I came to room 204 that displayed my moms name. I to

Man was born free and is everywhere in chains Essay Example

Man was born free and is everywhere in chains Essay Example Man was born free and is everywhere in chains Paper Man was born free and is everywhere in chains Paper p. 29. 9 Ibid, p. 33. 10 Alexis de Tocqueville, The old Regime and the French revolution (New York: Double Day Anchor Books, 1955), p. 69. (original published 1856, publisher unknown) 11 Cited in Carter, p. 41. 12 Cited in Andrew Heywood, Modern Political Ideologies (London: Macmillan Press, 1992), p. 127. 13 Richard Sylvan, Anarchism in Goodin, Robert, Philip Pettit (ed. ), A companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy (Cambridge: Basil Blackwell, 1993), pp. 215-242. 14 Andrew Heywood, Political Ideologies: An Introduction (London: Macmillan Press, 1992). p. 193. 15 George Growder, Classical Anarchism (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1991). p. 191. 16 April Carter, p. 169. 17 David Miller, Anarchism, (London: J. M. Dent Sons Ltd, 1984), p. 171. 18 George Growder, Classical Anarchism, p. 192. 19 Ibid,. p. 193. 20 Norman, P. Barry, An intro to modern political theory, (London: Macmillan Press, 1981). p. 83. 21 John Passmore, The Perfectibility of Man (London: Duckworth, 1970), p. 189. 22 Andrew Heywood, Political Ideologies, p. 211. 23 Harold Barclay, People Without Government, p. 134. 24 David Morland, Anarchism, Human Nature and History, in Jon Purkis James Bowen (ed. ), Twenty-first Century Anarchism (London: Cassell Press, 2000), pp. 8-21. p. 21. 25 Goaman, Karen Mo Dodson. , A Subversive Current? : Contempory Anarchism Considered in Jon Purkis James Bowen (ed. ), Twenty-first Century Anarchism (London: Cassell Press, 2000), pp. 83-97. 26 Murray Bookchin, Anarchism, Marxism, and the Future of the Left (Edinburgh: A. K. Press, 1999). p. 154. 27 Andrew Heywood, p. 211. 28 David Miller, Anarchism, p. 183. Andrew Wallace/1592038/Dr. P. Bradshaw/Political Science/MAS2010.

The History of Sao Paulo

The History of Sao Paulo So Paulo, Brazil is the largest city in Latin America, edging out runner-up Mexico City by a couple of million inhabitants. It has a long and interesting history, including serving as home base for the infamous Bandeirantes. Foundation The first European settler in the area was Joo Ramalho, a Portuguese sailor who had been shipwrecked. He was the first to explore the area of present-day So Paulo. Like many cities in Brazil, So Paulo was founded by Jesuit Missionaries. So Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga was established in 1554 as a mission to convert Guains natives to Catholicism. In 1556-1557 the Jesuits built the first school in the region. The town was strategically located, being between the ocean and fertile lands to the west, and it is also on the Tietà ª River. It became an official city in 1711. Bandeirantes In the early years of So Paulo, it became the home base for the Bandeirantes, which were explorers, slavers, and prospectors who explored the interior of Brazil. In this remote corner of the Portuguese Empire, there was no law, so ruthless men would explore the uncharted swamps, mountains and rivers of Brazil taking whatever they wanted, be it native slaves, precious metals or stones. Some of the more ruthless Bandeirantes, such as Antonio Rapà ´so Tavares (1598-1658), would even sack and burn Jesuit missions and enslave the natives who lived there. The Bandeirantes explored a great deal of the Brazilian interior, but at a high cost: thousands, if not millions of natives, were killed and enslaved in their raids.​​ Gold and Sugar Gold was discovered in the state of Minas Gerais at the end of the seventeenth century, and subsequent explorations discovered precious stones there as well. The gold boom was felt in So Paulo, which was a gateway to Minas Gerais. Some of the profits were invested in sugarcane plantations, which were quite profitable for a time. Coffee and Immigration Coffee was introduced to Brazil in 1727 and has been a crucial part of the Brazilian economy ever since. So Paulo was one of the first cities to benefit from the coffee boom, becoming a center for coffee commerce in the nineteenth century. The coffee boom attracted So Paulo’s first major wave of foreign immigrants after 1860, mostly poor Europeans (particularly Italians, Germans, and Greeks) seeking work, although they were soon followed by a number of Japanese, Arabs, Chinese, and Koreans. When slavery was outlawed in 1888, the need for workers only grew. So Paulo’s considerable Jewish community also was established around this time. By the time the coffee boom fizzled in the early 1900s, the city had already branched out into other industries. Independence So Paulo was important in the Brazilian independence movement. The Portuguese Royal Family had moved to Brazil in 1807, fleeing Napoleon’s armies, establishing a royal court from which they ruled Portugal (at least theoretically: in reality, Portugal was ruled by Napoleon) as well as Brazil and other Portuguese holdings. The Royal family moved back to Portugal in 1821 after the defeat of Napoleon, leaving eldest son Pedro in charge of Brazil. The Brazilians were soon angered by their return to colony status, and Pedro agreed with them. On September 7, 1822, in So Paulo, he declared Brazil independent and himself Emperor. Turn of the Century Between the coffee boom and wealth coming from mines in the interior of the country, So Paulo soon became the richest city and province in the nation. Railroads were built, connecting it to the other important cities. By the turn of the century, important industries were making their base in So Paulo, and the immigrants kept pouring in. By then, So Paulo was attracting immigrants not only from Europe and Asia but from within Brazil as well: poor, uneducated workers from the Brazilian northeast flooded into So Paulo looking for work. The 1950s So Paulo benefited greatly from the industrialization initiatives developed during the administration of Juscelino Kubitschek (1956-1961). During his time, the automotive industry grew, and it was centered in So Paulo. One of the workers in the factories in the 1960s and 1970s was none other than Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, who would go on to become president. So Paulo continued to grow, both in terms of population and influence. So Paulo also became the most important city for business and commerce in Brazil. So Paulo Today So Paulo has matured into a culturally diverse city, powerful economically and politically. It continues to be the most important city in Brazil for business and industry and lately has been discovering itself culturally and artistically as well. It has always been on the cutting edge of art and literature and continues to be home to many artists and writers. It is an important city for music as well, as many popular musicians are from there. The people of So Paulo are proud of their multicultural roots: the immigrants who populated the city and worked in its factories are gone, but their descendants have kept their traditions and So Paulo is a very diverse city.

Developing a Health Advocacy Campaign , Prostate Cancer Research Paper

Developing a Health Advocacy Campaign , Prostate Cancer Funding - Senator Boxer introduced the Prostate and Mens Education Act, - Research Paper Example The cause of prostate cancer is not clearly understood, but researchers argue that issues like race, family and age are beyond ones’ control. But some risk factors like avoiding fatty foods can be avoided as one is advised to eat more fruits, unsaturated foods, whole grains and intake of less red meat. Some medication from well equipped health centers helps reduce the spread of the cancer in the body. Drugs like; finastede have shown to reduce the prostrate cancer risk (John, 2008). California population is the most affected with cancer cases with 1,277,200 people affected with different types of cancer. The state projects that in 2012, more than 144,800 new cases will occur. The patients with prostate cancer include 20,195 new cases that makes up to 28% and 3,085 deaths occurs. The survivors of prostate cancer are 240,200 that accounts for 42%. Although from 1988 to 2009, 11% reduction has been reported as mortality reduces by 23% (CCR, 2012). The advocacy that have been effective include the â€Å"Us too advocacy† that uses the prostate cancer survivors and victims to spread the awareness creation. They give speeches in forums, hold door to door awareness creations and attended screening centers to help explain to the attendees the screening environment. The attributes that makes this advocacy campaign is that it involves survivors, volunteers and experts to spread the required awareness messages. The volunteers take their time to deliver the message of the benefits of early screening, explaining the screening environment to the people so that they attend the screening exercise and encouraging people the people to attend the screening centers. The other attribute makes this advocacy to be effective is the involvement of medical experts on comprehensive research and provision of a variety of advanced treatment (CCR, 2012). The other advocacy campaign that is effective is the â€Å"Zero prostate cancer†

Strategy and change management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategy and change management - Essay Example Therefore, several leading airlines have decided to merge with each other in order to reduce several business threats. Delta Airlines, Inc. and Northwest Airline Corp. in 2008 have proclaimed that they are going to merge with each other in order to create world’s largest airline named Delta. . Due to merger, the flexibility to acclimatize to the economic challenges of Delta has increased. After the merger, Northwest Airline is the completely owned subsidiary of Delta. According to the market characteristic theory of low-cost airlines, it is feasible that low-cost airlines usually compete in such a market where the traveller density is high enough to develop the competitive advantages by offering rapid-return and time to time services. Lower fares usually results from the economies of traffic density. This type of economies of scale is one of the key features in the airline network model. Such strategic actions also bring certain non-price benefits also. Current trends towards the product differentiation seem to be one of the elements of competition. Due to such strategic actions the airline companies have increased incentive to correspond and improve customer service quality. Due to the economic down turn the company along with the whole airlines companies in Europe and America went through a tough phase. The competition has been intense regarding fares, services and routes. Also the company indulged in to a legal battle with the union airlines. A problem faced by the company has been the over dependence on the North-American market Merger and acquisition in airline industry is one of the interesting topics within the industry. The airline industry has experienced high disorder due to high operational cost and increasing price of petrol (Hackbarth and Miao, 2007, p.33). The study will reveal the effect of merger on the business performance of two leading airlines