Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

August 26, 1894 in New York City, NY

Death

:

July 28, 1969 in Cleveland, OH

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Arthur Loesser was an American pianist, musicologist, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 12, 1894, in New York City, Loesser was the son of a successful businessman and a talented musician. His mother, Bertha Loesser, was a pianist and composer who had studied with Franz Liszt and Clara Schumann. Loesser began his musical education at an early age, studying piano with his mother and later with several prominent teachers, including Ernest Hutcheson and Josef Lhévinne. He also studied composition with Percy Goetschius and counterpoint with Nadia Boulanger. In 1915, Loesser made his debut as a pianist at Carnegie Hall, performing a program of works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. He quickly established himself as a virtuoso performer, known for his technical skill and musical sensitivity. Over the course of his career, he performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. In addition to his performing career, Loesser was also a respected musicologist and scholar. He wrote several books on music theory and history, including Men, Women, and Pianos: A Social History, which explored the role of the piano in American culture. He also edited and annotated several volumes of music by Bach, Beethoven, and other composers. One of Loesser's most significant contributions to the world of classical music was his work as a composer. He wrote several works for piano, including a set of variations on a theme by Bach and a suite of dances inspired by the music of the Baroque era. He also composed several songs and choral works, many of which were inspired by his love of literature and poetry. Throughout his career, Loesser received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1950, he was awarded the George Peabody Medal for outstanding contributions to music in America. He was also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Despite his many accomplishments, Loesser remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and teach until his death on April 29, 1969, at the age of 74. Today, he is remembered as a talented and versatile musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

More....