Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1902

Death

:

1986

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Celius Dougherty was an American composer and pianist who was born on September 29, 1902, in New York City. He was the youngest of three children born to William and Mary Dougherty. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a talented pianist who encouraged her children to pursue music. Dougherty began his musical education at an early age, studying piano with his mother and later with private teachers. He also showed an interest in composition, and by the age of 16, he had written several songs and piano pieces. In 1920, Dougherty enrolled at Columbia University, where he studied music theory and composition with Seth Bingham and Walter Damrosch. He also continued his piano studies with Ernest Hutcheson. While at Columbia, Dougherty became involved in the university's music scene, playing piano for various student groups and composing music for student productions. After graduating from Columbia in 1924, Dougherty moved to Paris to study composition with Nadia Boulanger. Boulanger was one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century, and her students included some of the most important composers of the time, such as Aaron Copland, Virgil Thomson, and Elliott Carter. Under Boulanger's guidance, Dougherty honed his compositional skills and developed a distinctive style that blended elements of French impressionism with American folk music. He also became interested in vocal music, and many of his most famous works are art songs for voice and piano. Dougherty returned to the United States in 1927 and settled in New York City. He quickly established himself as a composer and pianist, performing his own works and collaborating with other musicians. He also began teaching at the Juilliard School, where he remained on the faculty for over 30 years. Throughout his career, Dougherty composed music for a wide range of ensembles and genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, and choral music. However, he is best known for his art songs, which are characterized by their lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and sensitive settings of poetry. Some of Dougherty's most famous art songs include "Love in the Dictionary," "Review," and "The K'e." These works showcase his ability to capture the nuances of the English language and to create music that enhances the emotional impact of the text. Dougherty's music was widely performed during his lifetime, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to American music. In 1962, he was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and in 1976, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award for his outstanding contributions to American music. Despite his success, Dougherty remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to compose and teach until his death on December 22, 1986, at the age of 84. Today, Dougherty's music continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. His art songs, in particular, are beloved for their beauty, sensitivity, and emotional depth, and they remain an important part of the American vocal repertoire.

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