America's contribution to the history of music is second to none

There's a big new word looming on the horizon. Trouble is, nobody can agree what it is. Some say it's semiquincentennial, others bisesquicentennial. There's also a fierce lobby holding out for sestercentennial. Very confusing for those of us who gave up Latin at 16.

- Richard Morrison is chief music critic and a columnist of The Times

In fact, all three words refer to the same thing. Next July the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding: the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The rejoicing will take many forms, but I hope America's music and musicians are strongly featured. And here I am going to voice a controversial thought: it's that when you take into consideration how comparatively young the US still is, compared with the ancient civilisations of Europe and the Far East, it has made a more significant contribution to the history of music than any other nation.

Ok, I'm reaching for my flak-jacket. My Italian friends will be recalling their vast heritage - from Gregorian chant and the composers of the Renaissance to the great 19th-century outpouring of operas, and spluttering, 'Non dirai sul serio, Riccardo!' German colleagues will have much the same reaction. The Russians? The French? People living in Cheltenham who listen only to Elgar and Vaughan Williams? All will think I've lost my marbles.