Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1930

Death

:

1999

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

John Davison was a renowned classical music composer who was born on December 11, 1914, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Davison's siblings were also musically inclined, and they often performed together as a family. Davison began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and organ with his father. He later studied composition with the renowned composer and conductor, Leopold Stokowski. Davison attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied composition with Rosario Scalero and conducting with Fritz Reiner. After completing his studies, Davison began his career as a composer and conductor. He worked as a conductor for several orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. He also served as the music director for the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Opera. Davison's compositions were highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. His works were known for their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. He was particularly skilled at writing for the orchestra, and his orchestral works were often performed by some of the world's leading orchestras. One of Davison's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1949. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Davison's skill as a composer. The first movement is a lively and energetic allegro, while the second movement is a slow and contemplative adagio. The third movement is a scherzo, and the final movement is a triumphant allegro. Another notable work by Davison is his opera, "The Trial of Mary Dugan," which premiered at the New York City Opera in 1957. The opera is based on a novel by Bayard Veiller and tells the story of a woman who is accused of murder. The opera was well-received by critics and audiences and helped to establish Davison as a leading composer of opera. Davison's other works include several concertos, chamber music pieces, and choral works. His "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" is a particularly notable work that has been performed by many of the world's leading violinists. His choral works, such as "The Seven Last Words of Christ," are also highly regarded and have been performed by many choirs around the world. Throughout his career, Davison received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1966 for his Symphony No. 3. He also received the National Medal of Arts in 1985. Davison continued to compose and conduct until his death on January 29, 1999, at the age of 84. His legacy as a composer and conductor continues to be celebrated by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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