ExclusiveHoward Hanson: Champion of American Classical Music

In this episode of American Legends, Tiffany Brannan explores the life and legacy of Howard Hanson, one of the most influential figures in the development of American classical music during the 20th century.

Born in 1896 to Swedish immigrant parents, Hanson was a musical prodigy who graduated from college at just fourteen years old before continuing his studies at the Institute of Musical Art — the institution that later became Juilliard School. There he studied composition and theory under Percy Goetschius, who became an important mentor in his artistic development.

Hanson later became director of the Eastman School of Music, a position he held for forty years. During his tenure, he transformed the school into one of America’s leading music institutions and created opportunities for generations of young composers. Through the American Composers Concerts and the Festival of American Music, he helped launch and support the careers of countless musicians, including Aaron Copland.

As a composer, Hanson became known for his sweeping melodies, rich orchestration, and deeply emotional style. Often described as the leading figure of American neo-romanticism, he composed seven symphonies, numerous choral works, band compositions, ballet suites, and the opera Merry Mount. His Symphony No. 4 earned a Pulitzer Prize, while themes from his Symphony No. 2 later became widely recognized through the film Alien.

This episode explores:

• the life of Howard Hanson
• the growth of American classical music
• the Eastman School of Music
• American neo-romanticism
• Hanson’s mentorship of young composers
• the American Composers Concerts
• his influence on Aaron Copland and other musicians
• the opera Merry Mount and Hanson’s symphonies

Discover the story of Howard Hanson, the composer, conductor, and educator who helped shape the future of classical music in America.

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