Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

June 6, 1915 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

August 14, 1987 in Philadelphia, PA

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Vincent Persichetti was an American composer, educator, and pianist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on June 6, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Italian immigrant parents. His father was a businessman, and his mother was a homemaker who loved music. Persichetti showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of five. Persichetti's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a skilled pianist. He began composing music when he was just 11 years old and continued to write music throughout his life. He attended Combs College of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with composer Rosario Scalero. After completing his studies, Persichetti began his career as a composer and educator. He taught at the Juilliard School in New York City and at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. He also served as the music director of the Mannes College of Music in New York City and the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Persichetti's music is known for its complexity and technical skill. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including Baroque, Classical, and Romantic music, as well as jazz and popular music. His compositions include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral works, and solo piano pieces. One of Persichetti's most famous works is his Symphony No. 4, which was composed in 1951. The symphony is known for its intricate counterpoint and complex rhythms. It has been described as a "tour de force of orchestration" and is considered one of Persichetti's most important works. Another notable work by Persichetti is his Piano Sonata No. 9, which was composed in 1962. The sonata is known for its virtuosic piano writing and its use of complex rhythms and harmonies. It has been described as a "brilliant and challenging work" and is considered one of Persichetti's most significant contributions to the piano repertoire. In addition to his compositions, Persichetti was also known for his contributions to music education. He wrote several influential books on music theory and composition, including "Twentieth-Century Harmony" and "Twentieth-Century Piano Technique." These books are still widely used in music schools and conservatories today. Persichetti received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1966 for his Symphony No. 5. He was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1971 and received the National Medal of Arts in 1987. Vincent Persichetti died on August 14, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 72. He left behind a legacy of innovative and challenging music that continues to inspire and influence composers and musicians today.

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