The American composer, conductor and teacher Howard Hanson served from 1924 to 1964 as director of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, New York, winning many honours for his manifold services to American music. As a composer his musical language is akin to that of Sibelius or Rachmaninov.

Opera and Vocal Music

Hanson’s only opera is Merry Mount, based on Nathaniel Hawthorne and concerning the early English settlers in America in a plot that deals with problems of religious intolerance. His songs include settings of Whitman and of religious texts.

Orchestral, Chamber and Instrumental Music

Hanson’s orchestral works include seven symphonies and concertos for organ and for piano, as well as ballet suites and a suite from his opera Merry Mount. Chamber music includes a Chamber Concerto for piano and string quartet; most of his piano music represents a relatively early stage of his career.