Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1881

Death

:

1956

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Arthur Hartmann was an American composer and violinist who was born on March 17, 1881, in New York City. He was the son of German immigrants who were both musicians. His father, Carl Hartmann, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Marie Krebs, was a pianist. Arthur showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. Hartmann's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He studied violin with Franz Kneisel and composition with George Whitefield Chadwick at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. After completing his studies, he returned to New York City and began performing as a soloist and chamber musician. In 1906, Hartmann traveled to Europe to further his musical education. He studied with the renowned violinist Eugène Ysaÿe in Brussels and with the composer Vincent d'Indy in Paris. While in Europe, he also performed with the Lamoureux Orchestra in Paris and the Berlin Philharmonic. Hartmann returned to the United States in 1909 and continued his career as a performer and composer. He became a member of the New York Philharmonic and performed as a soloist with many other orchestras throughout the country. He also formed a string quartet with his brother, pianist Alfred Hartmann, and two other musicians. As a composer, Hartmann was influenced by the French impressionist style of music. He wrote many works for violin, including several sonatas and a concerto. He also composed chamber music, orchestral works, and songs. One of Hartmann's most famous works is his Suite in the Old Style for violin and piano. The suite is based on Baroque dance forms and features a lyrical and expressive violin part. Another notable work is his Concerto in D minor for violin and orchestra, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1912. Hartmann was also known for his collaborations with other artists. He worked with the dancer Isadora Duncan, composing music for her performances. He also collaborated with the poet Vachel Lindsay, setting some of his poems to music. In addition to his musical career, Hartmann was also an avid collector of art and antiques. He amassed a large collection of Chinese art and artifacts, which he donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Hartmann continued to perform and compose throughout his life. He died on March 6, 1956, in New York City at the age of 74. His legacy as a composer and performer continues to be celebrated today.

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