Composer of the Day!

Today's Composer of the Day is Elie Siegmeister.

(1909-1991)

Siegmeister started off as an avant-gardist, but later turned to folk influences in the quest to create a uniquely American classical music.

He trained, and was trained by, many famous composers and theorists. Although little-known today, he was extraordinarily prolific. He was on the board of directors of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers and Performers) for nearly three decades.

His enormous influence as a composer, author, theorist, educator, and administrator cannot be overstated. Well, it could. But I won't do it.

Early on (in the 1930s) he, like many other artists, turned left, and he was involved with several populist and workers' organizations. This populist influence bled into his later work that incorporated folk influences into his art music.

His influence and import are obscured and forgotten, mostly. His music is rarely performed, or even discussed. Hell, I barely know any of it. But trust me: he was cool.

More information, and musical examples, can be found here and here.

You should listen to his music.