Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

September 14, 1840 in Holliston, MA

Death

:

October 14, 1923 in Cambridge, MA

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

George Elbridge Whiting was an American composer, pianist, and music educator who lived from 1842 to 1923. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a family of musicians. His father, George Whiting, was a well-known music teacher and composer, and his mother, Mary Whiting, was a singer and pianist. From a young age, Whiting showed a talent for music, and he began studying piano with his father when he was just five years old. Whiting's musical education continued throughout his childhood and adolescence. He studied with several prominent teachers, including Julius Eichberg and John Knowles Paine, and he also attended the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1861, at the age of 19, Whiting made his debut as a pianist in Boston, performing a concerto by Beethoven. In the years that followed, Whiting established himself as a successful pianist and composer. He performed frequently in Boston and other cities, and his compositions were well-received by audiences and critics alike. In 1867, he was appointed as a professor of music at Wellesley College, where he taught for 25 years. During his time at Wellesley, Whiting became known for his innovative teaching methods and his commitment to promoting music education for women. Whiting's compositions spanned a wide range of genres, including piano music, chamber music, and vocal music. He was particularly known for his piano works, which were characterized by their technical virtuosity and their lyrical melodies. Some of his most famous piano pieces include the "Caprice Brillante," the "Tarantella," and the "Fantaisie-Impromptu." In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Whiting was also a respected music critic and writer. He contributed articles and reviews to several music journals, including the Boston Musical Gazette and the Musical Record. He was also the author of several books on music, including "The Pianist's Guide to the Repertoire" and "The Art of Piano Playing." Despite his many accomplishments, Whiting's life was not without its challenges. He suffered from poor health throughout his adult life, and he was forced to take extended breaks from his musical activities on several occasions. He also experienced personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and two of his children. Despite these difficulties, Whiting remained dedicated to his music and his teaching. He continued to compose and perform until the end of his life, and he remained an influential figure in the world of music education. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important American composers of the 19th century, and his music continues to be performed and studied by musicians around the world.

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