The Magnificent Seven

"The Magnificent Seven" refers to a group of seven renowned American composers and lyricists from the mid-20th century—namely George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Roy Harris, William Schuman, and Aaron Copland. They played a pivotal role in shaping American classical music, blending traditional European styles with American themes and sounds. Their work helped establish a distinct national musical identity, often reflecting American landscapes, stories, and jazz influences. This collective significantly influenced the development of American art music, bridging cultural influences and elevating it to a respected art form worldwide.