Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

May 21, 1890 in Perth Amboy, NJ

Death

:

March 22, 1965 in New York

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Harry Tierney was an American composer and songwriter who was born on May 21, 1890, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Tierney began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended the New York College of Music and later studied at the Institute of Musical Art (now known as the Juilliard School). Tierney began his career as a songwriter, writing popular songs for Broadway shows and films. He collaborated with lyricist Joseph McCarthy on several successful musicals, including "Irene" (1919), which starred Irene Castle and ran for over 600 performances. The show featured the hit song "Alice Blue Gown," which became a popular tune of the era. Tierney and McCarthy also wrote the score for the film "Rio Rita" (1929), which was a box office success and featured the song "The Kissing Dance." In addition to his work in musical theater and film, Tierney also composed classical music. He wrote several orchestral works, including a symphony and a suite for orchestra. His most famous classical composition is the "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1934. The concerto was well-received by critics and established Tierney as a serious composer. Tierney's music was known for its catchy melodies and lush orchestrations. He was influenced by the popular music of his time, as well as classical composers such as Beethoven and Brahms. His music was often described as "romantic" and "nostalgic," and he had a talent for creating memorable tunes that stayed with audiences long after the show or film had ended. One of Tierney's most successful musicals was "The Show of Shows" (1929), which was a revue featuring songs and sketches by various composers and performers. Tierney wrote several songs for the show, including "Ain't Misbehavin'," which became a hit and was later recorded by jazz legend Fats Waller. The show also featured the song "The Lonesome Road," which became a popular standard and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. Another successful musical by Tierney was "Roberta" (1933), which featured the song "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." The song became a huge hit and has since become a classic of the American songbook. Tierney also wrote the music for the film "Alice in Wonderland" (1933), which featured the song "Nonsense," a whimsical tune that captured the playful spirit of the film. Despite his success as a composer, Tierney's career began to decline in the 1940s. The popularity of musical theater was waning, and Tierney struggled to find work. He continued to write music, but his output was limited. He died on March 22, 1965, at the age of 74. Today, Harry Tierney is remembered as a talented composer and songwriter who contributed to the American musical tradition. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and his songs remain popular with audiences around the world. While he may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Tierney's contributions to the world of music are significant and enduring.

More....