Role

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Composer

Birth

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1914

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Wilbur Held was an American composer, organist, and music educator who was born on January 31, 1914, in Lansing, Michigan. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor and grew up in a musical family. His father played the organ and his mother was a pianist. Held began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the organ. Held attended Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he studied music and theology. He later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. He also studied composition with Leo Sowerby and organ with Palmer Christian. Held began his career as a church musician, serving as organist and choir director at several Lutheran churches in Michigan and Illinois. He also taught music at Concordia College and Valparaiso University. In 1955, he joined the faculty of Indiana University, where he taught music theory and composition until his retirement in 1984. As a composer, Held was known for his sacred choral music and organ works. His compositions were influenced by the Lutheran chorale tradition and the works of J.S. Bach. He also incorporated modern harmonies and rhythms into his music. One of Held's most famous works is his setting of the hymn "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright." The piece is a choral anthem for SATB choir and organ and is often performed during the Christmas season. Held's other choral works include "The Lord's Prayer," "Ave Maria," and "Psalm 23." Held's organ music is also highly regarded. His compositions for the instrument include preludes, fugues, and chorale preludes. One of his most famous organ works is his "Partita on 'O Gott, du frommer Gott.'" The piece is a set of variations on the Lutheran hymn and is often performed in recitals and church services. In addition to his compositions, Held was also a respected music educator. He wrote several textbooks on music theory and composition, including "Music Theory Resource Book" and "Modal Counterpoint in the Style of the Sixteenth Century." He also served as a mentor to many young composers and musicians. Held received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1974, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Music Educators Association. He was also a fellow of the American Guild of Organists and a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Held continued to compose and perform music well into his later years. He died on October 8, 2015, at the age of 101. His legacy as a composer and music educator continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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