Classically Speaking

Happy belated centenary to American composer William Schuman (1910-1992), born on August 4th, 100 years ago.

Tim Smith of The Baltimore Sun has an excellent post about William Schuman and this overlooked anniversary, including a video of Schuman on "What's My Line?": "William Schuman's Centennial a Reminder of Music We're Missing"

I discovered Schuman's music as a violist in the New Jersey All State Orchestra in high school, where we played the New England Triptych. It has remained one of my favorite pieces, both for the chirpy variations on "Chester" and the beautiful opening bassoon and oboe duet of the middle movement.

I hadn't heard any of his other pieces until I came here to West Virginia Public Radio, when a listener wrote in to request more Schuman -- his American Festival Overture and the Symphony No. 10 "American Muse."

Yesterday on the radio, we featured Schuman's Song of Orpheus for cello and orchestra, and today, I'm starting the program with the New England Triptych and his Third Symphony. I hadn't known until recently about Schuman's work for arts organizations, including being the president of Lincoln Center. Maybe I can add one more book to my summer reading?

More information about Schuman celebrations can be found here on a site by the William Schuman Music Trust. He also is featured on the program "Composer's Datebook" this week.