Robert Ward

Full biography Robert Ward

Robert Eugene Ward (1917-2013) was an American composer, conductor, and administrator, best known for his opera, The Crucible, which won him the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1962. Ward's music has a distinctly American character, often incorporating folk melodies, rhythms, and harmonies into his compositions.

Ward was born on September 13, 1917, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in a musical family. He studied composition at the Eastman School of Music, as well as with notable American composers, such as Aaron Copland and Roger Sessions.

In addition to The Crucible, Ward wrote seven other operas, including The Voyage of Edgar Allan Poe, which premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in 1976. He also composed orchestral, choral, and chamber music, which often drew inspiration from American themes and imagery.

Ward was an influential figure in music education and administration, serving as the president of the Juilliard School from 1985 to 1989 and as the director of the American Academy in Rome from 1971 to 1973. He taught composition at several universities, including Columbia University, Duke University, and City University of New York.

Even though Ward is primarily known for his operas, he left behind a significant body of instrumental music. His instrumental works include three symphonies, a violin concerto, and numerous chamber music pieces.

Robert Ward's legacy has continued to inspire new generations of composers, and his music remains highly regarded for its American character and originality.