Chadwick, George Whitefield

George Whitefield Chadwick (b. Lowell, MA, 13 November 1854; d. Boston, MA, 4 April 1931) was an American composer, teacher, organist and conductor. Beginning in 1872, Chadwick studied organ with George E. Whiting, piano with Carlyle Petersilea , and theory with Stephen A. Emery at the New England Conservatory in Boston. In 1876 Chadwick accepted a faculty position within the music program at Olivet College in Michigan. A year later Chadwick went to Germany where he studied with Karl Reinecke, Salomon Jadassohn, and Josef Rheinberger. Returning to the United States in 1880, he was hired as an instructor in music theory at the New England Conservatory; in 1897 he became its director and held this post until shortly before his death. As an educator Chadwick played an important role in American music; among his pupils were the composers Horatio Parker, Henry Hadley, and Frederick Converse. As a composer, Chadwick belonged to what can be called the New England School of American composers of the late 19th century. Many consider his music to portray a distinctively American style. His works included several operas, three symphonies, five string quartets, tone poems, incidental music, songs and choral anthems. In addition, Chadwick served as the Music Director of the Springfield Festival from 1890 to 1899, and of the Worcester Festival from 1899 to 1901.

From the description of George Whitefield Chadwick sketchbooks, 1874-1923. (New England Conservatory of Music). WorldCat record id: 320897624

From the description of George Whitefield Chadwick collection, 1873-1936, (bulk 1885-1930). (New England Conservatory of Music). WorldCat record id: 320837750

Composed 1923.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of Tre pezzi par orchestra / G.W. Chadwick. [1923?] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 45206439

Score quotes a poem by William Wordsworth: The Gladness of the May. Composed 1890-91. First performance Boston, 30 January 1892, Boston Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to Horatio Parker.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of A pastoral prelude for orchestra / by G.W. Chadwick. [1891?] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 45206418

American composer.

From the description of Typewritten letter signed, dated : Boston, 2 January 1912, to Harry H[arkness] Flagler, 1912 Jan. 2. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270564260

Composed 1917-18. First performance New York, 9 February 1919, New York Symphony Society, in a memorial concert for Theodore Roosevelt. Dedicated to Walter Damrosch.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of The angel of death / George Whitefield Chadwick. [1918?] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 42676368

Work is an arrangement by an unknown arranger of the second movement of the composer's String Quartet No. 4, in E minor. Composed 1896. First performance of Quartet Boston, 18 December 1896, Kniesel Quartet.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of Intermezzo / by G.W. Chadwick. [1896?] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 45206414

Composed 1920-21. Dedicated "in memoriam Horatio Parker".--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of Elegy / G.W. Chadwick. 1920-21. (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 45206408

Suggested by Shelley's poem of the same name. Composed 1899. First performance Boston, 2 or 3 February 1900, Boston Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to the memory of Frank Fay Marshall, "amici probe et fidelis" [honorable and faithful friend].--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of Adonais : elegiac overture / by G.W. Chadwick. [1899?] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 45206397