Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

February 21, 1927 in Washington, D.C.

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

Walter S. Hartley was an American composer of classical music, known for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on August 15, 1927, in Olean, New York, Hartley showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied music at Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1950. After completing his studies, Hartley began his career as a composer, writing music for a variety of ensembles and genres. He was particularly interested in writing for wind instruments, and many of his early works were written for wind ensembles and brass bands. In 1954, he won the American Bandmasters Association's Ostwald Award for his composition "Concerto for 23 Winds." Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hartley continued to write music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performers. He also began to gain recognition as a composer, winning numerous awards and commissions for his work. In 1962, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study with some of the leading composers of the time. One of Hartley's most significant works is his Symphony No. 4, which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in 1965. The symphony is a powerful and dramatic work, featuring a wide range of musical styles and influences. It has been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles around the world and is considered one of Hartley's most important contributions to the classical music repertoire. In addition to his work as a composer, Hartley was also a respected music educator. He taught at a number of universities and colleges throughout his career, including the University of Illinois, the University of Wyoming, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students to explore new and exciting musical ideas. Hartley's music is characterized by its unique blend of traditional and modern elements. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, folk music, and contemporary classical music. His compositions often feature complex rhythms, unusual harmonies, and unexpected melodic twists and turns. One of Hartley's most popular works is his Suite for Oboe and Piano, which was written in 1955. The suite is a charming and lyrical work, featuring a series of short movements that showcase the oboe's expressive and versatile range. It has become a staple of the oboe repertoire and is frequently performed by oboists around the world. Another notable work by Hartley is his Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble, which was written in 1970. The concerto is a virtuosic and challenging work, featuring a solo saxophone accompanied by a large wind ensemble. It has been performed by some of the world's leading saxophonists and is considered one of the most important works in the saxophone repertoire. Hartley continued to write music throughout his career, even after his retirement from teaching in 1992. He remained active in the music community and was a frequent guest conductor and lecturer at universities and music festivals around the world. He passed away on September 1, 2016, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and inspiring music that continues to be celebrated by musicians and audiences alike.

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