Walter Piston (1894–1976) was an influential American composer, music theorist, and teacher who left a profound imprint on the landscape of 20th-century classical music. Born in Rockland, Maine, Piston pursued music initially through a budding interest in painting and the visual arts, but after serving in World War I, he fully committed to music, studying at Harvard University and later in Paris with the renowned pedagogue Nadia Boulanger. His compositional output is noted for its craftsmanship, clarity of form, and harmonic language, which, while modern, maintained ties to traditional tonality.

Throughout his career, Walter Piston wrote extensively for a wide range of musical forms, including symphonies, concertos, chamber works, and solo pieces. Some of his most acclaimed compositions include eight symphonies, with his Symphony No. 2 earning a New York Music Critics' Circle Award in 1944, and the ballet "The Incredible Flutist," which became one of his best-known pieces following its premiere in 1938. His prolific chamber music repertoire, encompassing string quartets and various ensemble combinations, reveals his mastery in counterpoint and texture. In addition to his compositional acumen, Piston was a revered educator at Harvard, where he taught from 1926 to 1960. Among his students were future luminaries such as Leonard Bernstein and Leroy Anderson. He authored several textbooks, including "Harmony" (1941) and "Counterpoint" (1947), which are still referenced for musical instruction today. As his discography grows posthumously, recordings such as "Walter Piston: Concerto for Orchestra" and "Works for Violin & Orchestra" continue to bolster his legacy, showcasing the enduring appeal and significance of his contributions to American classical music.

Genres

American Modern Classical

Avant-garde

Early Modern Classical

Serialism

Latest Release

Walter Piston: Concerto for Orchestra

Walter Piston•

Boston Modern Orchestra Project•

Gil Rose

Album - 8 Tracks - Released June 22, 2021