George Chadwick--An overlooked gem

[tphillips09]

In my American Music History class we have been discussing the second new england school of composers (Edward MacDowell, Amy Beach, George Chadwick etc.). The earlier two wrote some good music, but in a mostly European style. George Chadwick on the other hand was a real genius whose music really has an American spirit.

I love American Music--Ives, Gershwin, Barber, Copland, Grofe etc etc...-- but most of my listening up to this point has been this later "school" of composers and I have not listened very much to the earlier generation.

When I listened to George Chadwick music assigned to our class I was really enthralled. We listened to two movements from his symphonic suite, "Jubilee" and "Noel," and they had real substance, soul. Excellent orchestration as well.

I didn't realize there were still old American Composer gems out there that I hadn't listened to yet! Anyways I hope to keep listening, do you guys have any thoughts?

[jhnbrbr]

Well I must admit that I'd never heard of Chadwick, and I could only find one other reference to him in this forum. Maybe it's time for a Chadwick revival? I see from the "Oxford Companion" that he wrote quite a lot of chamber music too. Thanks for the recommendation!