Born:
Oct. 20, 1874
Birthplace:
Danbury, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Died:
May 19, 1954 in New York City
Also Known As:
Innovative American composer of the 20th century, first major composer from America and the first known composer of polytonal pieces.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote symphonies, sonatas, chamber music, vocal and piano pieces, often based on American themes.
Influence:
His father, who was a bandleader and music teacher, was Charles Ives' first music teacher. In 1894, he studied with Horatio Parker at Yale University.
Musical Work:
Among his notable works are: 114 songs, "Third Symphony," "Second Piano Sonata (Concord)," "Variations on America," "Three Places in New England," "Central Park in the Dark" and "General William Booth Enters into Heaven."
Interesting Facts:
He worked as an insurance clerk and was very successful in his position that, by 1906, he even formed an insurance partnership called Ives & Myrick with his friend Julian Myrick. In 1930, he retired from his insurance business.
Ives was married to Harmony Twichell. His Third Symphony won a Pulitzer Prize in 1947.
Related Video:
Listen to Charles Ibes perform his "Piano Sonata No. 2, Third Movement (The Alcotts)" courtesy of YouTube.