John J. Becker
John J. Becker (born January 22, 1886 in Henderson , Kentucky , † January 21, 1961 in Wilmette , Illinois ) was an American composer .
Life
John Joseph Becker studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory and the Wisconsin Conservatory with Wilhelm Middelschulte and Alexander von Fielitz and worked as a teacher and choirmaster. He was one of the American Five , a group of avant-garde composers who, besides himself, included Charles Ives , Charles Ruggles , Henry Dixon Cowell and Wallingford Riegger .
His works were often atonal or polytonal and characterized by dissonances. He composed three operas , two choral masses and a passion, symphonies , instrumental concerts and chamber music works. His Symphonia brevis from 1929 and The Abongo - A Primitive Dance from 1933 became particularly well known .
literature
- Michael Saffle: Becker, John Joseph. In: MGG Online (subscription required).
Web links
- John J. Becker papers, JPB 04-27 . Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
- Dr. John J. Becker (1886–1961) Papers ( Memento of May 11, 2005 on the Internet Archive ) at University of St. Thomas Libraries
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Becker, John J. |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American composer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 22, 1886 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Henderson , Kentucky |
| DATE OF DEATH | January 21, 1961 |
| Place of death | Wilmette , Illinois |