Short bio Arthur Bird
Full biography Arthur Bird
Arthur Homer Bird (July 23, 1856 – December 22, 1923) was an American composer, known for his works for reed organ and other keyboard instruments. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and began studying music at a young age. In 1875, he enrolled at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied under several notable composers, including Edward MacDowell.
Bird was a prolific composer, with over 300 works to his name. He wrote for a variety of instruments, including piano, organ, and orchestra, but is best known for his works for reed organ. In fact, he was hired by the prominent musical instrument company, Mason and Hamlin, to produce a suite of short pieces for the reed organ.
Bird's music drew from many different sources , including folk songs and dance music from around the world. He was particularly interested in the music of Eastern European and Middle Eastern cultures, and his music reflects this interest.
Despite his many accomplishments, Bird's music fell out of favor in the early 20th century and is now largely forgotten. However, some of his works have been rediscovered in recent years and have been performed by modern musicians.
In conclusion, Arthur Bird was a prolific American composer best known for his works for reed organ and keyboard instruments. He drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources and his music reflects a deep interest in the music of other cultures. While his music fell out of favor for many years, it is now being rediscovered and appreciated by modern audiences.
Compositions featuring Arthur Bird
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preludium and Fugue for harmonium in A minor (unpublished) | 8:20 min | Keyboard | 1907 |
| 2 | Serenade for wind instruments, Op. 40 | 22:15 min | Chamber Music | 1898 |
| 3 | Suite for double wind quintet in D major, Op. 29 | 25:24 min | Chamber Music | 1889 |
| 4 | Eine Carneval Scene, for orchestra, Op. 5 | 8:55 min | Orchestral | 1887 |
| 5 | Introduction and Fugue, for piano, 4 hands, Op. 16 | 9:56 min | Keyboard | 1887 |
| 6 | Marche Miniature, for piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in A, 2 bassoons & double bass | 5:03 min | Chamber Music | 1887 |
| 7 | Pieces (4) for harmonium, Op. 44 | 11:44 min | Keyboard | - |
| 8 | Valse Menuett, for string orchestra (arranged from Op. 39/2) | 3:02 min | Orchestral | - |
| 9 | Thème varié, for piano, 4 hands, Op. 27 | 14:07 min | Keyboard | - |
| 10 | Tempo di Minuetto, for harmonium, Op. 41/1 | 2:40 min | Keyboard | - |
| 11 | Sketches (3) for harmonium, Op. 45 | 8:27 min | Keyboard | - |
| 12 | Pieces (10) for harmonium, Op. 37 | 34:17 min | Keyboard | - |
| 13 | Amerikanische Weisen, waltz cycle for piano, 4 hands, Op.23 | 11:20 min | Keyboard | - |
| 14 | Pieces (3) for harmonium, Op. 39 | 11:01 min | Keyboard | - |
| 15 | Marsch der Aethiopier, for harmonium, Op. 42/3 | 2:23 min | Keyboard | - |
| 16 | Improvisato for organ, Op. 37/6 | 3:34 min | Keyboard | - |
| 17 | Gavotte for string orchestra (arranged from Op. 7) | 2:33 min | Orchestral | - |
| 18 | Characteristic Marches (3), for piano, 4 hands, Op. 11 | 12:43 min | Keyboard | - |
Albums featuring Arthur Bird
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Arthur Bird - Artis Wodehouse – Arthur Bird Music For The American Harmonium(CD, Album) | 2016 | Raven Records (29) |
| 2 |  |
Orff / Bird / Reed - The Peabody Conservatory Wind Ensemble, Harlan D. Parker – Carmina Burana Suite / Serenade For Wind Instruments / La Fiesta Mexicana(CD, Album) | 2006 | Naxos |
| 3 |  |
Bird, Converse, Chadwick, Foote • The Louisville Orchestra – Carnival Scene • Endymion's Narrative • Flivver Ten Million • Euterpe • Francesca Da Rimini | 1990 | Albany Records |
| 4 |  |
Edward MacDowell, Arthur Bird, Karl Krueger, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (London) – Second Symphonic Poem, Lancelot And Elaine, Op. 25 / Third Little Suite For Large Orchestra, Op. 32(LP, Stereo) | 1966 | The Society For The Preservation Of The American Musical Heritage |
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