Howard Hanson

Full biography Howard Hanson

Howard Harold Hanson (October 28 , 1896 - February 26, 1981) was a celebrated composer, conductor, and educator who contributed significantly to the promotion of contemporary American music during his lifetime. He was born in Wahoo, Nebraska and began studying music at a young age. Hanson attended the Institute of Musical Art (now the Juilliard School) in New York City and later studied composition with noted composer and teacher Arthur Foote at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

Hanson is perhaps best known for his Romantic-style orchestral compositions, including his Symphony No. 2 "Romantic" and his Symphony No. 4 "Requiem." He also wrote a number of chamber works, choral pieces, and operas. Hanson's music is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and dramatic tonal contrasts.

Aside from his compositional work, Hanson was also an accomplished conductor, serving as the music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for over two decades. He was a strong advocate for contemporary American music and helped to establish the Hanson Institute for American Music at his alma mater, the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

In recognition of his contributions to American music, Hanson received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1944 for his Symphony No. 4 "Requiem." He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Institute of Arts and Letters.

Hanson's legacy as a composer, conductor, and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers alike. His music remains an important part of the American classical repertoire and serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for the promotion of American music.