Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

December 15, 1892

Death

:

October 17, 1981

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

David Wendell Guion was an American composer, pianist, and music educator who was born on June 24, 1892, in Clinton, Iowa. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Guion began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He studied music at the University of Michigan and later at the New England Conservatory of Music. Guion's early compositions were influenced by the popular music of the time, including ragtime and jazz. He became known for his piano compositions, which were often performed in vaudeville shows and on radio broadcasts. In 1919, Guion moved to New York City, where he worked as a pianist and arranger for various music publishers. In the 1920s, Guion began to focus more on classical music composition. He studied with composer Ernest Bloch and became interested in incorporating American folk music into his compositions. Guion's most famous work, "The Harmonica Player," was inspired by a young boy he saw playing the harmonica on the streets of New York City. The piece became a popular hit and was performed by many orchestras and soloists. Guion's other notable works include "The Jolly Coppersmith," "The Arkansas Traveler," and "The Old Grey Mare." These pieces were all based on American folk tunes and were popular with audiences. Guion also wrote several pieces for piano, including "The Whistler and His Dog," which was inspired by a dog he saw whistling along with a street musician. In addition to his work as a composer, Guion was also a music educator. He taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and for his ability to inspire his students. Guion continued to compose music throughout his life, but his later works were less well-known than his earlier pieces. He died on November 7, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 89. David Guion was a unique composer who blended classical music with American folk music. His compositions were popular with audiences and were often performed by orchestras and soloists. He was also a talented pianist and music educator who inspired many students throughout his career. Today, his music continues to be enjoyed by music lovers around the world.

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