Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 31, 1819 in West Hills, NY

Death

:

March 26, 1892 in Camden, NJ

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Walt Whitman was an American composer and pianist who was born on December 1, 1819, in West Hills, New York. He was the second of nine children born to Louisa Van Velsor and Walter Whitman Sr. His father was a carpenter and farmer, and his mother was a housewife. Whitman's family was of English and Dutch descent, and they were Quakers. Whitman's interest in music began at an early age. He started playing the piano when he was six years old, and he showed a natural talent for the instrument. His parents recognized his musical abilities and encouraged him to pursue his passion. Whitman's father even built him a small music room in their home where he could practice. Whitman's formal musical education began when he was 12 years old. He started taking piano lessons from a local teacher named William O. Chapman. Chapman recognized Whitman's talent and encouraged him to continue his studies. Whitman also began studying music theory and composition on his own. In 1835, when Whitman was 16 years old, he left school to work as a teacher. He continued to study music on his own and began composing his own pieces. In 1839, he published his first composition, a piano piece called "The Death of Love." Whitman's musical career took off in the 1840s. He moved to New York City and began performing in public concerts. He also started composing more complex pieces, including his first symphony, which he completed in 1845. Whitman's music was well-received by audiences and critics, and he quickly became known as one of the most promising young composers in America. In 1848, Whitman married his longtime girlfriend, Mary Oakes. The couple had three children together, but their marriage was troubled. Mary suffered from mental illness, and Whitman struggled to balance his musical career with his family responsibilities. The couple separated in 1855 and eventually divorced. Despite his personal struggles, Whitman continued to compose music throughout the 1850s and 1860s. He wrote several operas, including "The Golden Legend" and "The Pilgrimage of Harold," which were both well-received by audiences. He also wrote several choral works, including "Requiem for the Dead" and "The Song of the Universal." Whitman's most famous work is his "Symphony No. 1 in C Minor," which he completed in 1865. The symphony is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Whitman's personal struggles and the turmoil of the Civil War. The symphony was premiered in New York City in 1866 and was an immediate success. It is still considered one of the greatest American symphonies ever written. In addition to his musical career, Whitman was also a prominent figure in the literary world. He is best known for his poetry, including his collection "Leaves of Grass," which was first published in 1855. Whitman's poetry was groundbreaking for its time, and it had a profound influence on American literature. He is considered one of the most important poets in American history. Whitman's musical career began to decline in the 1870s. He suffered from health problems, including a stroke, which made it difficult for him to compose and perform. He also struggled financially and was forced to sell his music collection to pay his debts. Whitman died on March 26, 1892, in Camden, New Jersey. He was 72 years old. Despite his struggles, he left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and move audiences today.

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