Harl McDonald facts for kids

Harl McDonald (born July 27, 1899 – died March 30, 1955) was a talented American musician. He was a composer, which means he wrote music. He was also a conductor, leading orchestras, a pianist, playing the piano, and a teacher, sharing his knowledge with students.

Who Was Harl McDonald?

Harl McDonald was born in Boulder, Colorado. From a young age, he showed a great interest in music. He dedicated his life to creating and teaching music.

Early Life and Education

Harl McDonald studied music at several important schools. He attended the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Redlands. He also traveled to Germany to study at the Leipzig Conservatory, a famous music school. These studies helped him become the skilled musician he was.

A Career in Music and Teaching

In 1927, Harl McDonald began teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. He held many important positions there. He became the Director of the Music Department, guiding the university's music programs. He also led the University's Choral Society and the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club, which are groups that sing together. One of his students was Ann Wyeth McCoy, who also became a notable artist. Besides his teaching and leadership roles, McDonald was a composer. He also helped guide the Philadelphia Orchestra Association as a board member.

His Amazing Music

Harl McDonald wrote many different kinds of music during his life. His works are still enjoyed today.

Symphonies and Other Works

He composed four symphonies, which are large musical pieces for an orchestra. Each of his symphonies had a special subtitle:

• His First Symphony (1933) was called "The Santa Fe Trail."
• His Second Symphony (1934) was named "The Rhumba."
• His Third Symphony (1935) was titled "Lamentations of Fu Hsuan."
• His Fourth Symphony (1937) was known as "Festival of the Workers."

Besides symphonies, he wrote other pieces. These included a concerto for two pianos, which is a piece for two pianos and an orchestra. He also composed two piano trios, which are pieces for three instruments, usually a piano, violin, and cello. He also wrote many pieces for choirs to sing.

Music with a Message

In 1938, Harl McDonald wrote a special piece called Lament for the Stolen. This piece was for a women's chorus and orchestra. He wrote it to remember a very sad public event that had happened a few years earlier.

Legacy

Harl McDonald passed away in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1955, at the age of 55. He was helping with a film about orchestral music when he died. He left behind a wonderful collection of musical works and a legacy as a dedicated teacher and musician.