Who is your favorite composer?

Who is your favorite composer? There are many that I would claim to be favorites, but I would have to say that John Barry, composer of the original Bond music as well as Oscar nominated film scores for "Dances With Wolves" and "Out of Africa" is pretty much tops with me. John Barry studied with Stan Kenton illuminary Bill Russo, so there is a strong tie to modern jazz as well. Aside from these two I would have to say that Charles Mingus, Gustav Holst, Stan Levy, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington, Carl Orff, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mandel, etc.

Hi DCB,

I was wondering if you would show up again today. You always have these interesting questions. I really dont know much about composers, but I like most of the ones that you mentioned. Some I have never heard of. 'Out of Africa' nd 'Dances with Wolves' are two of my favorites. I'll have to go study on the subject, before I come back and talk to you.

Hope everything is going well for you!
Stay strong
Suzy

Hi Erick!

I met, had coffee with, and corresponded with Duke Ellington's nephew for a time! This was years ago...he was traveling with the band. It was soo cool to me at the time. He was a real sweet guy...funny how my memory gets triggered by someone's post..

I didn't know who composed the music for 'Out of Africa' and 'Dances with Wolves'...I loved the music! I also like Beethoven, Mancini and Mandel...and of course! Duke Ellington!! (The others I do not believe I am familiar with...)

Hi Suzy-Q,

Thank you for your interest in music. John Barry has several compilation CDs' out in the market. They include a variety of his compositions. Good listening.
Go check this out over at your local music store (sometimes they let you listen before you buy).
Things are going well for me. My ex-spouse to be is beginning to get nasty though. I will persevere with Gods' help and guidence.

Take care,

Erick

Hi Star!

How cool. That must have been a very interesting friendship. Like they say, we all live in six degrees of seperation from one another.
If you get a chance go check out "Mingus, Ah Um". I think that is the title. Many interesting compositions. I've read much about Mingus and many of the critics have said that he was underrated. I'd have to agree. Now there are a few more scholarly studies of this musical genius. He is finally getting his due. Some of my personal favorite compositions by Mingus are "A Chair in the Sky", "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting", "Haitian Fight Song", "Goodbye Porkpie Hat", "Fables of Faubus", and "The Clown".
I was in a Mingus mode for a couple of years at one time in my life. Daring music with fearless soloists. You will hear something new every time you listen to it.
Take care and let the music touch your soul,

Erick

Thanks Erick! I will check that out! Good to hear from you...sounds like you are faring OK...I am glad of that. Life takes turns and we can't always control it..we just have to do the best we can to accept it and roll with the punches, hang onto the positives and make the best of it..

I wish you the best!
Star

Thank you Star,

You are quite a friend. I've been visualising myself as being made out of positive energy (almost like teflon) and all that is negative just kinda drips right off of me.

Have a great week and may all your dreams come true,
Erick

LOL! I love that visual! What a unique way to put it!!
Being thought of as a friend is quite an honor to me...thank you.
May all the good you do come back to you!
Star