Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 3, 1918 in Boston, MA

Death

:

1996

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

Frank Wigglesworth was a renowned American composer of classical music, born on May 12, 1928, in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. From a young age, Wigglesworth was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Wigglesworth's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music. He began taking piano lessons with his mother and later studied with several renowned pianists, including Arthur Schnabel and Rudolf Serkin. He also studied composition with Walter Piston at Harvard University. In 1951, Wigglesworth received his Bachelor of Music degree from Harvard University. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received his Master of Music degree in 1953. During his time at Juilliard, Wigglesworth studied with several notable composers, including Vincent Persichetti and William Schuman. Wigglesworth's early compositions were heavily influenced by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and Hindemith. However, as he continued to develop his own style, he began incorporating elements of serialism and atonality into his music. His compositions often featured complex rhythms and harmonies, and he was known for his use of unconventional instrumentation. One of Wigglesworth's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1956. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Wigglesworth's unique style and use of unconventional instrumentation. The piece was well-received by critics and helped establish Wigglesworth as a prominent composer in the classical music world. In addition to his symphonies, Wigglesworth also composed several chamber works, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1962. The piece is a three-movement work that features intricate counterpoint and complex harmonies. It has since become a staple of the chamber music repertoire. Wigglesworth's music was often performed by some of the most prominent orchestras and ensembles in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Despite his success as a composer, Wigglesworth was known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He continued to compose and teach until his death on January 31, 2016, at the age of 87. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians and composers.

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