Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

August 8, 1886 in Settimo Vittone, Italy

Death

:

November 22, 1943 in Huntington, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Pietro Alessandro Yon was an Italian-American composer and organist who was born on August 8, 1886, in Settimo Vittone, Italy. He was the youngest of three children born to Giovanni Yon and Maria Lanza. His father was a blacksmith, and his mother was a homemaker. Yon showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He was also fascinated by the organ and would often sneak into the local church to play it. At the age of six, Yon began taking piano lessons from his older brother, Costantino, who was a music teacher. He quickly showed a talent for music and began composing his own pieces. Yon's family recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1897, Yon's family moved to Turin, where he continued his music studies. In 1901, Yon entered the Royal Conservatory of Turin, where he studied piano, organ, and composition. He was a gifted student and won several awards for his compositions. In 1903, Yon graduated from the conservatory with a diploma in piano and organ. After graduation, Yon began working as an organist in various churches in Italy. In 1907, he was appointed the organist at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, one of the most prestigious positions for an organist in Italy. Yon quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso organist and composer. In 1909, Yon was invited to perform at the St. Louis World's Fair in the United States. He was so well-received that he was offered a position as the organist at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Yon accepted the position and moved to the United States in 1909. Yon quickly became a beloved figure in the New York City music scene. He was known for his virtuosic organ playing and his ability to improvise on the organ. He also began composing music for the organ and other instruments. One of his most famous compositions is the Christmas carol "Gesù Bambino," which he wrote in 1917. In addition to his work at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Yon also taught music at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. He was a respected teacher and mentor to many young musicians. Yon's music was heavily influenced by his Italian heritage. He often incorporated Italian folk melodies and rhythms into his compositions. He was also influenced by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. Yon continued to compose and perform throughout his life. In 1943, he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. Despite his illness, he continued to compose and teach music. He died on November 22, 1943, in New York City. Today, Yon is remembered as one of the greatest organists and composers of his time. His music continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world. His legacy lives on through the Pietro Yon Foundation, which was established to promote the study and performance of his music.

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