Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

January 30, 1901 in New York City, NY

Death

:

March 10, 1980 in Boston, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

William Kroll was an American composer and violinist who was born on March 23, 1901, in New York City. He was the son of a German immigrant father who was a violinist and a mother who was a pianist. Kroll began playing the violin at the age of six and showed great promise as a musician from an early age. Kroll studied at the Institute of Musical Art in New York City, which later became the Juilliard School. He also studied with the renowned violinist Franz Kneisel and the composer Ernest Bloch. Kroll's talent as a violinist was recognized early on, and he won several awards and competitions, including the prestigious Naumburg Award in 1923. Kroll began his career as a violinist, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He was a member of the New York Philharmonic from 1923 to 1926 and played with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1926 to 1929. He also performed as a soloist, giving recitals and performing concertos with orchestras. In addition to his career as a performer, Kroll was also a composer. He wrote music for the violin, as well as chamber music and orchestral works. Kroll's compositions were influenced by the music of his time, including the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and the modernist style of Schoenberg. One of Kroll's most famous works is his Banjo and Fiddle, which he composed in 1945. The piece is a lively and playful duet for violin and piano that incorporates elements of American folk music, including the banjo and fiddle. Banjo and Fiddle became one of Kroll's most popular works and has been performed by many violinists since its composition. Kroll's other compositions include his Suite for Violin and Piano, which he composed in 1928. The suite is a three-movement work that showcases Kroll's virtuosity as a violinist and his skill as a composer. The first movement is a lively and energetic dance, while the second movement is a lyrical and expressive adagio. The final movement is a fast and playful scherzo. Kroll also wrote several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1936. The quartet is a four-movement work that showcases Kroll's skill as a composer of chamber music. The first movement is a lively and energetic allegro, while the second movement is a lyrical and expressive adagio. The third movement is a playful scherzo, and the final movement is a fast and exciting finale. Kroll's music was well-received during his lifetime, and he was recognized as a talented composer and performer. He continued to perform and compose throughout his life, and he died on April 1, 1980, in New York City. In conclusion, William Kroll was a talented American composer and violinist who made significant contributions to classical music. His compositions were influenced by the music of his time, and he incorporated elements of American folk music into his works. Kroll's Banjo and Fiddle and his Suite for Violin and Piano are among his most famous works, and his String Quartet No. 1 showcases his skill as a composer of chamber music. Kroll's legacy continues to live on through his music, which is still performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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