Vincent Persichetti (1915-1987) was an influential American composer, teacher, and pianist, noted for his integration of various musical genres into a personal style that resonated with both complexity and accessibility. Born in Philadelphia, Persichetti demonstrated prodigious musical talent from an early age, starting piano lessons at five and composing by the time he was 14. He later attended the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music where he honed his skills in piano, organ, double bass, conducting, composition, and music theory. His portfolio, expansive and versatile, ranges from works for orchestra, choir, and solo instruments to chamber music, often praised for its rhythmic vitality and melodic expressiveness.

Throughout his career, Persichetti occupied significant educational roles, most notably a long tenure at the Juilliard School where he influenced generations of composers through his teachings. His catalogue, comprising over 150 works, showcases a mastery of form and an adeptness at blending diverse elements from classical and modern traditions, as well as jazz and band music. Persichetti’s enduring commitment to music education is also apparent in his extensive compositions for school ensembles, particularly in the realm of band music. His contribution to 20th-century American music remains significant, with his "Parable" series for solo instruments and "Harmonium" song cycle marking him as a composer of both intellectual rigor and profound expressiveness, whose work continues to be celebrated, performed, and recorded prolifically after his passing.

Genres

American Modern Classical

Concert Band

Related Artists

Leonard Bernstein

Samuel Barber

Aaron Copland

Ned Rorem

George Gershwin

John Cage

William Schuman

Elliott Carter

Charles Ives

Walter Piston

Howard Hanson

Roy Harris

Latest Release

Peter Moore: In Full Bloom

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart•

Christian Lindberg•

Vincent Persichetti

Album - 20 Tracks - Released October 8, 2024