Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 17, 1894 in Boston, MA

Death

:

July 10, 1979 in Brookline, MA

Genre

:

Crossover

 

 

Orchestral

 

Arthur Fiedler was a renowned American conductor and violinist who is best known for his work as the conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. He was born on December 17, 1894, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Emanuel and Johanna Fiedler, both of whom were musicians. Fiedler's father was a violinist and conductor, and his mother was a pianist and singer. Fiedler grew up in a musical household and began playing the violin at a young age. Fiedler attended Boston Latin School and then went on to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. He also studied with the famous violinist Franz Kneisel. Fiedler's early career was as a violinist, and he played in various orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1915, he joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, and he remained with the orchestra for 50 years. In 1924, Fiedler became the conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, a position he held until his death in 1979. The Boston Pops Orchestra was founded in 1885 as a lighter, more popular alternative to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Fiedler's tenure as conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra was marked by his innovative programming and his ability to bring classical music to a wider audience. One of Fiedler's most famous performances was his annual Fourth of July concert with the Boston Pops Orchestra. The concert, which began in 1929, was held on the Esplanade in Boston and was broadcast on national television. The concert featured patriotic music, including John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever," and ended with a fireworks display over the Charles River. Fiedler was also known for his recordings with the Boston Pops Orchestra. He made over 200 recordings with the orchestra, including popular songs, Broadway show tunes, and classical music. His recording of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" became a holiday classic and is still played on radio stations around the world. Fiedler received many awards and honors during his career. In 1951, he was awarded the Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club. In 1966, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was also awarded honorary degrees from several universities, including Harvard University and Boston University. Fiedler died on July 10, 1979, at the age of 84. His legacy as a conductor and musician lives on through his recordings and the Boston Pops Orchestra, which continues to perform under the direction of Keith Lockhart. In conclusion, Arthur Fiedler was a talented musician and conductor who brought classical music to a wider audience through his innovative programming and recordings with the Boston Pops Orchestra. His annual Fourth of July concert and his recording of "Sleigh Ride" have become cultural touchstones, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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