Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1920

Death

:

1990

Genre

:

Choral

 

Edwin Fissinger was an American composer of classical music, born on October 24, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents, who were both musicians. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both played in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Fissinger grew up in a musical household and began playing the piano at a young age. Fissinger attended the University of Michigan, where he studied composition with Ross Lee Finney and earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1942. He then served in the United States Army during World War II, where he played the French horn in the Army Band. After the war, he returned to the University of Michigan and earned his Master of Music degree in 1947. Fissinger began his career as a composer in the 1950s, and his music was heavily influenced by the works of Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland. He was known for his use of tonality and his incorporation of folk music into his compositions. His works were often performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the United States. One of Fissinger's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 1955. The symphony is in three movements and features a prominent use of brass and percussion. It was premiered by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1956 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Fissinger also composed a number of works for choir, including his Three Choral Settings, which were composed in 1960. The settings are based on texts by Walt Whitman and feature lush harmonies and soaring melodies. They have become a staple of the choral repertoire and are frequently performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his compositions, Fissinger was also a respected music educator. He taught at a number of universities throughout his career, including the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, and the University of North Texas. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to pursue their own musical careers. Fissinger continued to compose music throughout his life, and his works were performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. He passed away on December 13, 1990, at the age of 70. His legacy as a composer and educator lives on through his music and the many students he inspired throughout his career.

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