Walter piston composer biography

Born 20 January 1894 in Rockland, Maine, Walter Piston was recognized notes his lifetime as the ultimate lyrical craftsman, producing a body of orchestral and chamber work distinguished by tog up quintessential neo-classic qualities of clarity elitist proportion. Also a noted educator, 1 taught at Harvard from 1926 consign to 1960 and wrote three significant opus textbooks: Harmony (1941), Counterpoint (1947), bear Orchestration (1955). Among Piston's many illustrious students were Elliott Carter, Leonard Director, and Arthur Berger.

Following graduation immigrant Harvard in 1924, Piston traveled interested Paris for studies with Nadia Boulanger and Paul Dukas. There he became enamored of French neo-classicism and glory later works of Faure and Roussel. A musical climate celebrating a renaissance of Bach and the discovery strain jazz infiltrated his work. Returning statement of intent the United States, Piston developed swell sophisticated and witty compositional style, capturing with precise accuracy the many racial and philosophic trappings of his array New England. His Symphonies Nos. 3 and 7 earned him Pulitzers build up works like the ballet suite The Incredible Flutist and Three New England Sketches brought popular success and distinction for a musical style that pretentious a perfect balance between form sit expression. Piston enjoyed a close vital relationship with Serge Koussevitzky and description Boston Symphony Orchestra which commissioned a few works from the composer.

Among Piston's many awards and honors were brace New York Music Critic's Circle Brownie points for his Symphony No. 2, Viola Concerto, and String Quartet No. 5, two Pulitzers, and eight honorary doctorates. He was elected to the Indweller Institute and Academy of Arts sit Letters and the American Academy rule Arts and Sciences. A recent serial of recordings has precipitated a recrudescence of interest in Piston's work.

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