George Frederick Bristow

Full biography George Frederick Bristow

George Frederick Bristow (December 19 , 1825 – December 13, 1898) was an American composer who advocated for American classical music. He was one of the most important American composers of the 19th century. Bristow was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was primarily self-taught in music. He began his career as a violinist and played in various theater orchestras. He later became a music teacher and an active participant in the New York music scene.

Bristow wrote numerous works, including five symphonies, two oratorios, an opera, chamber music, and many secular and sacred choral pieces and songs. His Symphony No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 24, is considered his most popular work.

Bristow was also an important figure in the development of American orchestral music. He was known for his efforts to promote American classical music and to establish American orchestras. He was also the first American-born composer to have an orchestral work performed by a major European orchestra.

Bristow's contribution to American music was significant, and his music reflects his passion for American culture and society. Although he is not as well-known today as some of his contemporaries such as Stephen Foster and Louis Moreau Gottschalk, his music remains an important part of the American classical music tradition.