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.

From the guide to the Solomon Pimsleur Papers, 1918-1970, (Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections)

Composer and pianist.

From the description of Papers, 1914-1962. (Columbia University In the City of New York). WorldCat record id: 309772937

Composed 1937.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of First drama in a cycle of symphonies / Solomon Pimsleur. [1937] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194732

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.

From the description of Symphonic suite, op. 18 : Devout prelude / Solomon Pimsleur. [1935] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194766

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

From the description of Symphony to disillusionment / Solomon Pimsleur. [19--] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194815

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

From the description of Symphonic ode and peroration : for orchestra, op. 35 / Solomon Pimsleur. [1936] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194761

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.

From the description of Solemn interlude / Solomon Pimsleur. [19--] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194775

From the description of Impetuous toccata / by Solomon Pimsleur. [19--] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194782

From the description of Fugal fantasia / Solomon Pimsleur. [19--] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 53194790