Charles Wakefield Cadman

Full biography Charles Wakefield Cadman

Charles Wakefield Cadman (December 24 , 1881 – December 30, 1946) was an American composer known for his works that incorporated Native American music and themes. He was one of the first American composers to use American Indian melodies and rhythms in his compositions. Cadman was also a writer, editor, and prominent musical citizen of his time period.

Cadman first became interested in Native American music when he attended a performance of Hopi Indians in Chicago in 1901. He then began to travel around the American West, collecting and recording songs and melodies from Native American tribal communities, which he later incorporated into his own work. He worked closely with his collaborator Nelle Richmond Eberhart, who wrote most of his lyrics.

Cadman's works include operas, song cycles, chamber music, and orchestral pieces. Some of his notable works include the opera "Shanewis" (1918) and the symphonic poem "Dark Dancers of the Mardi Gras” (1923). He also wrote four piano concertos, three violin sonatas, and a wide range of choral and vocal music.

Although Cadman's work was popular during his lifetime, his music fell out of favor after his death. Today, he is often remembered for his work in incorporating Native American songs and melodies into Western classical music.

In addition to his musical work, Cadman was a well-respected editor of music journals and authored several books. He also served as a music critic, lecturer, and teacher. His influence in the early 20th century American music scene can still be felt today.