Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 10, 1913 in Richmond Hill, NY

Death

:

February 21, 1996 in Orlando, FL

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Morton Gould was an American composer, conductor, and pianist who was born on December 10, 1913, in Richmond Hill, New York. He was the youngest of three children born to Russian-Jewish immigrants. His father was a textile worker, and his mother was a homemaker who loved music and encouraged her children to pursue it. Gould showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He was a prodigious talent and gave his first public performance at the age of seven. He studied piano with Abby Whiteside and composition with Vincent Jones while attending the Institute of Musical Art (now the Juilliard School) in New York City. Gould's early compositions were influenced by jazz and popular music, and he became known for his ability to blend these styles with classical music. He was also a prolific composer, writing over 100 works in a variety of genres, including orchestral, chamber, and choral music, as well as film scores and music for television. One of Gould's most famous works is his "American Salute," which is based on the patriotic song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." The piece was written in 1943 during World War II and became an instant hit. It has since become a staple of the American orchestral repertoire and is often performed at patriotic events. Another notable work by Gould is his "Symphony No. 3," which was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1946. The piece is a tribute to the city of Chicago and its people, and it incorporates elements of jazz and blues music. The symphony was well-received and helped establish Gould as one of the leading American composers of his time. Gould also wrote several works for the ballet, including "Fall River Legend," which was based on the story of Lizzie Borden and premiered in 1948. The ballet was a critical and commercial success and helped establish Gould as a composer of serious music. In addition to his work as a composer, Gould was also a conductor and pianist. He conducted many of the leading orchestras in the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also recorded extensively as a pianist, performing works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. Gould was a prolific composer throughout his life, and he continued to write music until his death in 1996. His legacy as a composer and musician is still felt today, and his works continue to be performed and recorded by orchestras and musicians around the world.

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