Morning Glories: Composers who shaped education

As Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Class Notes Artists hit the road this week, we take a look at composers who had a major role in education.

Monday

Charles Stanford: Cello Concerto

Stanford was one of the founders of the Royal College of Music, where he taught composition for most of his life, and as such, a leader in the rebirth of British composition. Popular in his day, Stanford's music has been largely eclipsed by that of his star pupils, who include Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Tuesday

Johann Albrechtsberger: Trombone Concerto

Based in Vienna at the same time as Haydn, organist and theorist Johann Albrechtsberger attracted many aspiring composers (including Hummel and Beethoven) who wished to study with the master of counterpoint.

Wednesday

Anton Bruckner: Te Deum

Bruckner entered the teaching profession very early in life; his father was a schoolmaster, and young Anton would help him teach the other students in his class. He continued his own education until the age of 40 while teaching organ and composition lessons, and held several teaching positions at prominent conservatories in Vienna.

Thursday

Gustav Holst: First Suite and Second Suite for Wind Band

Holst began his music career as a trombone player, but chose to focus his time on composition. When that didn't pay the bills, Holst turned to teaching, and at those schools found young orchestras eager to play the works he wrote for them.

Friday

Carl Czerny: Fantasia brillante on Themes from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro"

Described in Etude Magazine as "The Forefather of Pianoforte Technic," Czerny gave piano lessons to dozens of prominent performers, most famously Franz Liszt. He also wrote books and books of études for performers of varying ability, which are still used by today's piano teachers.

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