Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 22, 1920 in Marquette, MI

Death

:

February 6, 1954 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Alfred S. Burt was an American composer of classical music, best known for his Christmas carols. He was born on April 22, 1920, in Marquette, Michigan, to a family of musicians. His father, Bates Burt, was a composer and arranger, and his mother, Elizabeth Burt, was a singer and pianist. Alfred grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. Alfred's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons from his mother. He later studied composition with his father and attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1942. During his time at the university, he studied with renowned composers such as Ross Lee Finney and Earl V. Moore. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Alfred served in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in Europe and served as a bandmaster for the 69th Infantry Division. During his time in the army, he continued to compose music and wrote several pieces for the band. After the war, Alfred returned to the United States and settled in New York City. He worked as a composer and arranger for various music publishers and wrote music for radio and television commercials. He also worked as a staff arranger for NBC and wrote arrangements for the network's orchestra. Alfred's most significant contribution to classical music was his Christmas carols. He started writing Christmas carols in 1942 as a Christmas gift for his family and friends. He continued to write a new carol every year until his death in 1954. In total, he wrote 15 Christmas carols, which are now known as the "Alfred Burt Carols." The Alfred Burt Carols are known for their beautiful melodies and intricate harmonies. They are often performed by choirs during the Christmas season and have become a beloved part of the American Christmas tradition. Some of the most popular Alfred Burt Carols include "Caroling, Caroling," "Some Children See Him," and "We'll Dress the House." Alfred's Christmas carols were not widely known during his lifetime, but they gained popularity after his death. His son, Bates Burt, continued to promote his father's music and published a collection of the Alfred Burt Carols in 1954. The carols have since been recorded by various artists, including Nat King Cole, Julie Andrews, and John Denver. In addition to his Christmas carols, Alfred also wrote other works of classical music. He wrote several pieces for orchestra, including "Concertino for Piano and Orchestra" and "Symphony in D." He also wrote music for the theater, including the musical "The Wind in the Willows," which was produced off-Broadway in 1950. Alfred S. Burt died on February 7, 1954, at the age of 33. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music, including his beloved Christmas carols. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his contributions to classical music will always be remembered.

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