Pimsleur, Solomon, 1900-1962

Solomon Pimsleur was born in Paris, France, in 1900 and emigrated to the United States with his parents at an early age. Completing both his undergraduate and graduate studies at Columbia University he was the recipient of a Julliard Fellowship in 1926 and studied at the Summer Institute of the Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria, in 1929. An honorary D. Mus. was awarded to him by the Boguslawski College of Music in Chicago in 1940. He died in New York City in 1962. With over 120 compositions to his credit, Pimsleur can be considered a prolific composer. His work aroused some early attention, but he gained little recognition later in his life. Nor did he ever succeed in securing an academic position. A performance of his Symphonic Ballade by the Philharmonic Society of New York at Lewisohn Stadium in 1933 marked the sole performance of any of his works by an established professional ensemble. Subsequent performances of his compositions were in large part due to his own persistent efforts. While his compositions drew praise for the craftsmanship they exhibited, Pimsleur's self-declared conservative style put his music outside the mainstream of contemporary development. A posthumous concert of his music was arranged by his wife Meira in 1965 and was presented in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York City.

Composer and pianist.

Composed 1937.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

Suite originally composed for piano solo as Suite of Transfigurations, op. 18, 1922-23 (in five movements). Transcribed for orchestra, 1930-32, as op. 33 (in four movements). Theme of this movement is from Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata, op. 106. First orchestral performance of Movement 1 only New York, 28 October 1935, Hudson Concert Orchestra of the WPA, Jacques Gottlieb conductor.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

Original title: Overture to disillusionment. Composed 1928-29.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

Composed 1935-36.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

Suite originally composed for piano solo as Suite of Transfigurations, op. 18, 1922-23 (in five movements). Transcribed for orchestra, 1930-32, as op. 33 (in four movements).--Cf. Fleisher Collection.