Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

December 22, 1885 in New York City, NY

Death

:

July 3, 1966 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Deems Taylor was an American composer, music critic, and author who was born on December 22, 1885, in New York City. He was the son of a wealthy family and grew up in a privileged environment. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a talented pianist who encouraged her son's interest in music. Taylor began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with various teachers. He attended New York University and Columbia University, where he studied music theory and composition. He also studied at the Institute of Musical Art (now the Juilliard School) and the Metropolitan Opera School. In 1916, Taylor became the music critic for the New York Tribune, a position he held for over a decade. He was known for his insightful and witty reviews, and he became one of the most influential music critics of his time. He also wrote several books on music, including "The Well-Tempered Listener" and "Of Men and Music." As a composer, Taylor was best known for his works for the stage. His most famous work is the opera "Peter Ibbetson," which premiered in 1931 and was based on the novel by George du Maurier. The opera was a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into a film. Taylor also composed several ballets, including "Through the Looking Glass" and "The Perilous Voyage." He wrote music for several films, including "The River" and "The Plow That Broke the Plains." He also composed orchestral works, including "Suite for Orchestra" and "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra." In addition to his work as a composer and critic, Taylor was also a radio personality. He was the host of the popular radio program "The New York Philharmonic This Week" for over a decade. He was also a frequent guest on other radio programs, including "The Voice of Firestone" and "The Bell Telephone Hour." Taylor was a prominent figure in the music world for many years, and he received numerous honors and awards for his work. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Institute of Arts and Letters. He was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1947 for his work "Second Hurricane." Taylor died on July 3, 1966, at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy as a composer, critic, and author who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works continue to be performed and admired by music lovers around the world.

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