Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

December 25, 1889 in New York City, NY

Death

:

February 18, 1982 in Franklin Square, NY

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Nathaniel Shilkret was a prominent American composer, conductor, and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the early 20th century. Born on December 25, 1889, in New York City, Shilkret was the son of a Russian-Jewish immigrant family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music from a young age. Shilkret began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later studied violin and composition at the Institute of Musical Art (now known as the Juilliard School) in New York City. After completing his studies, he began his career as a violinist in various orchestras, including the New York Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In 1916, Shilkret joined the Victor Talking Machine Company (later known as RCA Victor) as a conductor and arranger. He quickly became one of the company's most prominent conductors, leading the Victor Salon Orchestra and conducting numerous recordings for the label. He also arranged and conducted music for many of the company's most famous artists, including Enrico Caruso, Paul Whiteman, and Bing Crosby. During the 1920s and 1930s, Shilkret became one of the most sought-after conductors in the United States. He conducted many of the country's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also conducted numerous radio broadcasts and made several appearances on early television programs. One of Shilkret's most significant achievements was his work as a composer. He wrote numerous pieces for orchestra, including several film scores. His most famous composition is probably his "Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra," which has become a staple of the trombone repertoire. He also wrote several popular songs, including "Lovable and Sweet" and "The Lonesome Road." In addition to his work as a conductor and composer, Shilkret was also a prominent music educator. He taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and he wrote several books on music theory and composition. Throughout his career, Shilkret received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1945, he was awarded the Gold Baton by the American Symphony Orchestra League for his outstanding contributions to American music. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. Nathaniel Shilkret died on February 18, 1982, at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in American classical music, with a career that spanned more than six decades. His contributions to the world of music continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

More....