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Marc Blitzstein

Composer, lyricist and political activist Marc Blitzstein was one of 20th-century America’s great unclassifiable musical figures. A brilliant pianist, he created a politically fearless music theatre in the 1930s that conquered Broadway, he was a passionate left-winger who wanted his music to help the cause of socialism, and his virtuosity in everything from popular tunes to the avant-garde made him a key friend, ally, and inspiration for composers like Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.
A new biography of Blitzstein by Howard Pollack tells the story of his colourful and tragic life.

Tom talks to the author and is joined by musicologist Tim Carter to review the book and discuss why for someone so influential, we know so little of his music today.

Broadcast January 2013.

Release date:

Duration:

11 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Composer Marc Blitzstein

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