Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1932

 

Hampson A. Sisler was an American composer of classical music, born on August 13, 1921, in the small town of Hagerstown, Maryland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Hampson Sisler Sr., was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Mary Sisler, was a pianist. From a young age, Sisler showed a great interest in music and began studying piano and violin at the age of six. Sisler's musical education continued throughout his childhood and teenage years. He attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied composition with the renowned composer and teacher, Harold Randolph. After completing his studies at Peabody, Sisler went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with the composer and conductor, William Schuman. Sisler's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of the Romantic era, particularly the works of composers such as Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. However, as he continued to develop his own style, Sisler began to incorporate elements of modernism and atonality into his music. One of Sisler's early works, the Symphony No. 1, was premiered by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 1947. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and helped to establish Sisler as a promising young composer. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Sisler continued to compose and have his works performed by orchestras and ensembles across the United States. Some of his most notable works from this period include the Symphony No. 2, the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, and the String Quartet No. 1. In the 1970s, Sisler began to focus more on choral music, and his works in this genre quickly gained recognition. His choral works were performed by some of the most prestigious choirs in the country, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Robert Shaw Chorale. One of Sisler's most famous choral works is the oratorio, "The Creation According to St. Francis." The piece, which was commissioned by the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., tells the story of creation from the perspective of St. Francis of Assisi. The oratorio was premiered in 1980 and has since been performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Sisler was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of Maryland and the Catholic University of America. He was also a frequent guest lecturer and conductor at music festivals and workshops across the country. Sisler's music has been praised for its emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and technical mastery. His works often incorporate elements of both traditional tonality and modernist atonality, creating a unique and distinctive sound. His choral works, in particular, are known for their lush harmonies and expressive melodies. Sisler continued to compose and teach until his death on December 21, 2013, at the age of 92. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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