Vincent Persichetti (1915-1987); USA

Vincent Persichetti (1915–1987) was an American composer, pianist, teacher, and author born in Philadelphia. A remarkably versatile musician from childhood, he studied at the Combs College of Music, the Curtis Institute, and the Philadelphia Conservatory. He later joined the faculty of the Juilliard School, where he taught generations of American composers, and also served as editorial director of the music publisher Elkan-Vogel.

Persichetti composed in nearly every instrumental and vocal genre, developing a flexible language that could encompass both tonal and more dissonant materials. His works include nine symphonies, twelve piano sonatas, numerous chamber pieces, choral music, and an especially important body of music for concert band. Among his best-known compositions are Symphony No. 6 for Band, Divertimento for Band, and The Hollow Men. His influential book Twentieth-Century Harmony became a standard text.

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Read biography at allmusic.com.