Role

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Composer

Genre

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Vocal

 

William Arms Fisher was an American composer, arranger, and musicologist who was born on October 27, 1861, in San Francisco, California. He was the son of William Fisher, a prominent lawyer, and Mary Arms Fisher, a talented pianist. From a young age, Fisher showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. He later studied music theory and composition with various teachers, including the renowned composer and pianist, Louis Moreau Gottschalk. Fisher's musical career began in earnest in the late 1880s when he moved to New York City and began working as a music critic for various newspapers and magazines. During this time, he also began composing his own music, including songs, piano pieces, and chamber music. His early works were heavily influenced by the Romantic composers of the time, such as Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms. In 1893, Fisher was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic to write a piece for their upcoming season. The result was his Symphony in E-flat, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike. This success led to more commissions and performances of Fisher's music, including his Piano Concerto in A minor and his String Quartet in D major. Despite his success as a composer, Fisher is perhaps best known for his work as an arranger and musicologist. In 1905, he published a collection of American folk songs called "Old Songs That Men Have Sung," which included arrangements of traditional songs such as "Shenandoah" and "The Erie Canal." This collection was widely praised for its authenticity and helped to popularize American folk music. Fisher's interest in folk music also led him to collaborate with the composer and conductor, John Philip Sousa. Together, they arranged and published a number of patriotic songs, including "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful." Fisher also wrote the lyrics to Sousa's famous march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever." In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Fisher was also a respected musicologist and historian. He wrote extensively on the history of music, including a biography of the composer Franz Liszt and a history of American music. He was also a founding member of the American Musicological Society and served as its president from 1931 to 1933. Fisher's legacy as a composer, arranger, and musicologist continues to be felt today. His arrangements of American folk songs are still performed and recorded, and his contributions to the history of music are still studied and appreciated. Despite his many accomplishments, Fisher remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life.

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