Peter Mennin Musical artist

Peter Mennin (born Mennini) (May 17, 1923, Erie, Pennsylvania – June 17, 1983, New York City) was an American composer and teacher of Italian descent. He directed the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, then for many years ran the Juilliard School, succeeding William Schuman in this role. He began composing at an early age, and wrote nine symphonies, several concertos, and numerous works for wind band, chorus, and other ensembles. His style became more chromatic and astringent with time, but was always essentially tonal, relying heavily on polyphony.Mennin's fifth symphony of 1950, which is tonal, energetic and suspenseful, was recorded by Howard Hanson and the Eastman Rochester Orchestra in the Mercury series of American classical works. It was a runner up for the Pulitzer Prize in 1950.His work received renewed attention in the CD era, and now all his symphonies have been recorded (except for the withdrawn #1 and #2).Juilliard awards a Peter Mennin prize, for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music.His notable students include Jacob Druckman, Richard Danielpour, Karl Korte, Charles L. Bestor, Jack Behrens, and Claire Polin. See: List of music students by teacher: G to M#Peter Mennin. His brother was the composer Louis Mennini.

Personal facts

Birth dateMay 17, 1923
Birth place
Pennsylvania , Erie Pennsylvania , United States
Date of deathJune 17, 1983
Place of death
New York City , United States , New York

Search

Musical artist

BackgroundNon performing personnel

Peter Mennin on Wikipedia

External resources

  1. http://artofthestates.org/cgi-bin/composer.pl?comp=172
  2. http://www.carlfischer.com/Fischer/menninbio.html