Daniel Gregory Mason

Full biography Daniel Gregory Mason

Daniel Gregory Mason (1873-1953) was an American composer and music critic who was part of the German-influenced Boston group of U.S. composers. He was the grandson of music publisher and educator Lowell Mason , and the son of Henry Mason, co-founder of the Mason-Hamlin piano company. Daniel Gregory Mason wrote or co-wrote eighteen books on music , making him once "the most widely read author in America of books about music and composers."

Mason's compositions were influenced by Romanticism , and he wrote many orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. He also played an important role in promoting the work of other composers, particularly American composers.

Mason was a prolific writer and music critic, and he wrote articles and books on a wide range of musical topics. For example, in his article "Life As a Composer," he championed Tchaikovsky as a writer of extraordinary emotion , and in his book "The Romantic Composers," Mason explores the work of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms.

In addition to being a composer and music critic, Mason was also a respected music educator and served as the MacDowell Professor of Music at Columbia University. He was a strong advocate for American composers and wrote about the need for the United States to establish its own musical identity.

Overall, Daniel Gregory Mason was an important figure in American music during the early 20th century, both as a composer and a writer. His legacy lives on through his compositions, his writings, and his advocacy for American music.