Howard Swanson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Swanson
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| Born | 18 July 1907  Atlanta |
| Died | 12 November 1978 (aged 71) New York City |
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| Occupation | Composer |
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Howard Swanson (born August 18, 1907 – died November 12, 1978) was an American composer. A composer is someone who writes music. Swanson was born in Atlanta, Georgia and passed away in New York City.
He studied music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Later, he learned from the famous teacher Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Howard Swanson earned many special awards and prizes for his musical talents. He liked to create music with clear melodies and gentle harmonies.
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Why Howard Swanson's Music Is Special
Many African-American composers are known for their amazing songs. Howard Swanson's songs are especially praised. Music critics often said his songs were very good.
What Critics Said About His Songs
William Flanagan, a music reviewer, once wrote about three of Swanson's songs. He said they were "authentic" and "sensitive." This means they felt real and showed deep feelings.
Another critic, Virgil Thomson, encouraged singers and pianists to explore Swanson's music. He noted that Swanson's songs were "refined" and "sophisticated." They had a special way of combining melody and harmony. Thomson felt Swanson's songs showed deep thought and strong emotions. He even compared them to the works of French composer Gabriel Fauré.
Working with Langston Hughes
Howard Swanson became good friends with the famous poet Langston Hughes. This friendship led Swanson to set many of Hughes's poems to music. Their collaboration gives us a special look into the music of the African-American community. It also shows us the inner thoughts of the poet himself.
How He Set Poems to Music
Swanson often talked with Langston Hughes while writing music for his poems. This close work helped him truly understand Hughes's words. Many people believe Swanson's musical versions are the best way to hear these poems.
His individual songs based on poems like "Joy," "In Time of Silver Rain," "Night Song," "Pierrot," and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" are great examples. These songs show how well Swanson understood Hughes's poetry. The song "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" was performed by Helen Thigpen and David Allen in 1950.
