Daniels, Mabel W. (Mabel Wheeler), 1878-1971

Composed 1934. First performance Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Harrisburg, PA, Feb. 19, 1935, George King Raudenbush conductor.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

Composer (B.A. Radcliffe College, 1900), Wheeler studied music in Boston and Munich, was director of music at Bradford Academy, 1911-1913, and Simmons College, 1913-1918, and then devoted the rest of her life to composing, specializing in choral compositions. She was the only woman represented in the "serious American music" festival at Carnegie Hall in 1939, and had three different works played by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Originally composed for chamber orchestra, 1930. This transcription 1933. First performance Weston, Conn., 7 August 1934, New York Orchestra, Nicolai Sokoloff conductor. For original version see callno.: 2467.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

Mabel Wheeler Daniels, composer, was born November 27, 1879 in Swampscott, Massachusetts, the daughter of George F. and Maria (Wheeler) Daniels. She attended Girls' Latin School, Boston, and graduated magna cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1900.

While she was at Radcliffe, music became the most important element in her life. MWD was leader and soloist of the Glee Club and composed the music for two operettas performed by students ( A Copper Complication, 1900; The Court of Hearts, 1901). After graduation, she continued to study music, first with George W. Chadwick in Boston and then with Ludwig Thuille in Munich. On her return from Europe, she published a book about her experiences abroad as a music student ( An American Girl in Munich, 1905). She served as director of music at Bradford Academy, 1911-1913, and at Simmons College, 1913-1918, after which she devoted her life to composing.

MWD composed in various forms, specializing in choral compositions. Some of her major works are: Exultate Deo, in honor of the 50th anniversary (1929) of the founding of Radcliffe College; Deep Forest, featured in a festival of "serious American music," Carnegie Hall, 1939 (MWD being the only woman composer represented); The Song of Jael, introduced at the Worcester Festival, 1940; and A Psalm of Praise, composed for the 75th anniversary (1954) of Radcliffe College. MWD was awarded a medal from the Munich Conservatory in 1903, wrote the "best Girl Scout song" in 1919, received honorary degrees from Tufts University in 1933, and Boston University in 1939, and served as alumnae trustee of Radcliffe College from 1945 to 1951. She died in Boston on March 10, 1971.