Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 15, 1909 in New York City, NY

Death

:

March 10, 1991 in Manhasset, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Elie Siegmeister was an American composer, born on January 15, 1909, in New York City. He was the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, and his father was a tailor. Siegmeister grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged his interest in music from an early age. He began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the violin and viola. Siegmeister attended Columbia University, where he studied music with Henry Cowell and Aaron Copland. He also studied composition with Bernard Wagenaar at the Juilliard School of Music. Siegmeister was a prolific composer, and his works include operas, symphonies, chamber music, and songs. One of Siegmeister's most famous works is his opera "The Devil and Daniel Webster," which premiered in 1939. The opera is based on a short story by Stephen Vincent Benét and tells the story of a New Hampshire farmer who sells his soul to the devil. The opera was well-received and has been performed many times since its premiere. Siegmeister was also known for his political activism and his commitment to social justice. He was a member of the Communist Party USA and wrote many works that reflected his political beliefs. One of his most famous works in this vein is his cantata "Ballad for Americans," which was written in 1939. The cantata is a patriotic work that celebrates the diversity of the American people and their struggle for freedom and equality. In addition to his political works, Siegmeister also wrote many pieces that were inspired by American folk music. He was particularly interested in the music of the Appalachian region and wrote several works that incorporated elements of this music. One of his most famous works in this vein is his "Appalachian Symphony," which was premiered in 1944. Siegmeister was also a respected music educator and taught at several universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the New School for Social Research in New York City. He was a strong advocate for music education and believed that all children should have access to music instruction. Throughout his career, Siegmeister received many honors and awards for his contributions to American music. He was a Guggenheim Fellow and a recipient of the National Institute of Arts and Letters Award. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Institute of Arts and Letters. Elie Siegmeister died on March 10, 1991, in Manhasset, New York. He was 82 years old. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important American composers of the 20th century, and his works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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