The Nation Celebrates

What comes to mind when you think about the 4th of July?  Is it our country's independence, a day off from work, family, the red, white and blue, barbecues or fireworks?

For me, it's all of the above plus good cheer and music. 

Here are some suggestions to choose from for this special day in American history:

Copland, Aaron.  Fanfare for the Common Man

Dvorak, Antonin.  Symphony #9 "From the New World"

Gershwin, George .  Rhapsody in Blue

Gould, Morton.  Camptown Races

Grofé, Ferde.  Mississippi Suite

Ives, Charles.  New England Holidays

Ruggles, Carl.  Men and Mountains

Sousa, John Philip.  Star and Stripes Forever

Williams, John.  Hymn to New England