In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated in November.
It is a time to be thankful, and we can be thankful for several pianists and
composers who were born in November. Here are a few of them.
Francois Couperin was born on November 10, 1668, in Paris,
and died there. He is the most well known musician among his musically talented
family. He first became an organist like his father, and composed for that
instrument. Later he composed for the harpsichord, and wrote a manual on how to
play the harpsichord.
Alexander Borodin was born on November 12, 1833, in St.
Petersburg, and died there. Borodin was a cellist and is best known for his
symphonies, although he also wrote for the piano. Nevertheless, music was more of
a hobby, as he was a doctor and chemist, particularly in organic chemistry.
Anton Rubinstein was born on November 28, 1829, in Podolsk,
Russia, and died in Petergof (Russia). He was a virtuoso pianist; among his
achievements was playing seven concerts that covered the history of piano
music. He wrote many piano works, and was a successful teacher—including teaching
composition to Tchaikovsky.
Aaron Copland was born on November 14, 1900, in New York
City and died there. He has been called the Dean of American composers because his
compositions evoke American landscapes and pioneer spirit. Many of his works “speak”
the vernacular of America. Hie composed in many genres: from ballet to film scores,
along with piano scores. He was also a professional teacher and pianist.
Benjamin Britten was born on November 22, 1913, in
Lowestoft, UK. Britten composed for orchestras, chamber groups, the piano, and
vocal groups. He was particularly interested in composing for children and amateur
performers, for which his opera Noye’s Fludde is the most famous.
Britten was also a celebrated pianist.
Who know what young person born in November of the 21st
century will become a famous pianist and composer, who will be thanked by
future audiences and musicians?
