American composer Vincent Persichetti was born in Philadelphia on June 6, 1915, to an Italian father and German mother. His parents weren't musicians, but they had a player piano which Vincent adored.
By the time he was five years old, Persichetti was already studying piano at the Combs College of Music, and also studied organ and double bass.
During his career, Persichetti composed about 120 works, including a Mass, nine symphonies, 15 pieces for wind band, and several difficult and influential piano sonatas.
You'll hear a sampling of Persichetti's music on this week's Learning to Listen, in honor and celebration of his 100th birthday.
Program Playlist
Vincent Persichetti
Mirror Etudes No. 6 "Sostenuto"
Frances Renzi, piano
Centaur 2301
Vincent Persichetti
Mass, "Gloria"
The Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia
Tamara Brooks, conductor
New World Records 80316
Vincent Persichetti
Divertimento for Band
North Texas Wind Symphony
Eugene Corporon, conductor
GIA 627
Vincent Persichetti
The Hollow Men
Chris Gecker, trumpet
Manhattan Chamber Orchestra
Richard Auldon Clark, conductor
Koch 7282
Vincent Persichetti
Symphony No. 4
Albany Symphony Orchestra
David Alan Miller, conductor
Albany 771
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