John Powell

John Powell, the American composer, was born on September 6, 1882, in Richmond, Virginia. He was a renowned pianist and composer known for his Romantic style, heavily influenced by his studies in Europe under notable figures like F. C. Hahr and Theodor Leschetizky. Powell's compositions often reflected his interest in folk music, particularly Anglo-American themes. One of his most famous works is the *Rhapsodie Nègre*, Op. 27, which became a signature piece during his extensive tours in the 1920s. However, he later shifted focus to exclusively using Anglo-American folk materials in his compositions, leading to works like *Overture: In Old Virginia* and *Natchez on the Hill*. Powell was also involved in promoting folk music through educational efforts and co-founded the White Top Mountain Folk Festival in 1931.

Powell's career spanned multiple decades, with significant contributions to American classical music. Despite his early interest in African-American folk subjects, his later work focused on preserving what he considered "Anglo Saxon" folk music. His legacy includes an extensive collection of correspondence and manuscripts housed at the University of Virginia, reflecting his impact on both music and cultural preservation. Powell passed away in 1963, leaving behind a rich musical heritage and a complex legacy within the American classical music scene.

Note: The provided releases seem to align with the works of the American composer John Powell, rather than the British film composer John Powell.

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