Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

June 5, 1923 in Lynn, MA

Death

:

December 18, 2006 in Boston, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Daniel Pinkham was an American composer, organist, and harpsichordist who was born on June 5, 1923, in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was the son of a Baptist minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Pinkham began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the organ and harpsichord. Pinkham attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he studied music with Walter Spalding. He then went on to study at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1943 and a Master of Arts degree in 1944. While at Harvard, Pinkham studied composition with Walter Piston and Aaron Copland. After completing his studies, Pinkham served in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in Europe and played the organ for the troops. After the war, Pinkham returned to the United States and began his career as a composer and musician. Pinkham's music is characterized by its use of traditional forms and techniques, combined with modern harmonies and rhythms. He was particularly interested in the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods and often incorporated elements of these styles into his compositions. One of Pinkham's most famous works is his Christmas Cantata, which was first performed in 1957. The cantata is a setting of traditional Christmas texts, including "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "The First Noel." The work is scored for choir, organ, and brass ensemble and has become a staple of the Christmas choral repertoire. Another notable work by Pinkham is his Sonata for Organ, which was composed in 1957. The sonata is a three-movement work that showcases the capabilities of the organ. The first movement is a lively toccata, while the second movement is a lyrical adagio. The final movement is a fugue that builds to a thrilling conclusion. Pinkham also composed a number of works for choir, including his Wedding Cantata, which was first performed in 1960. The cantata is a setting of texts from the Song of Solomon and is scored for choir, organ, and harp. The work is a celebration of love and has become a popular choice for weddings. In addition to his work as a composer, Pinkham was also an accomplished organist and harpsichordist. He served as the organist and choirmaster at King's Chapel in Boston from 1958 to 1989 and was a professor of music at Boston University from 1960 to 1990. Pinkham received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1958 and a commission from the National Symphony Orchestra in 1963. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Daniel Pinkham passed away on December 18, 2006, at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative music that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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