Roger Sessions was an American composer with a significant impact on the classical music scene in the 20th century. Born on December 28, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York, Sessions grew to become one of the leading figures of American modernist composition. He was educated at Harvard University and the Yale School of Music, further honing his skills with studies in Europe, including work with Ernest Bloch.

Sessions' compositional style was characterized by its complexity, rigorous counterpoint, and a highly personal approach to modernism. His music often grappled with large-scale forms and reflected his intellectual rigor, leading to a body of work that included symphonies, concerti, opera, chamber music, and solo piano pieces. Despite his music's challenges to performers and audiences alike, Sessions maintained a steadfast devotion to his own creative voice.

Throughout his career, Roger Sessions held several academic positions, including teaching at the University of California, Berkeley and Princeton University. He was a mentor to many younger composers and a respected academic, publishing numerous articles and essays on music theory and education. His influence extended beyond his own compositions, contributing to the broader discourse surrounding contemporary classical music.

He received numerous awards and honors, including being elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and receiving two Pulitzer Prizes for his work. Roger Sessions passed away on March 16, 1985, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be explored and esteemed within the field of classical music, as evidenced by the ongoing interest and remastered releases of his work. His symphonies and other compositions remain a testament to his ambition and artistry, securing his reputation as a foundational American composer.

Genres

American Modern Classical

Avant-garde

Contemporary Classical

Early Modern Classical

Serialism

Latest Release

Sessions: Symphony No. 2 - Morton Gould: Philharmonic Waltzes (2022 Remastered Version)

Roger Sessions•

New York Philharmonic

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released April 22, 2022