Lora Aborn facts for kids

Lora Aborn Busck (born May 30, 1907 – died August 25, 2005) was a talented American composer. She wrote many different kinds of music, including ballets, operas, and pieces for orchestras and choirs. Her music was played and recorded in several countries.

Biography

Lora Aborn was born in New York City. She started learning piano, music theory, and how to compose music when she was young. She studied at the Effa Ellis Perfield School of Music. Later, she continued her studies in California, where she also played in a jazz band.

Lora then attended Oberlin Conservatory. There, she learned more about composition from Dr. George W. Andrews. She continued her studies at the American Conservatory in Chicago. She even won a gold medal for her compositions when she graduated!

Lora Aborn created many pieces of music that people asked her to write. Her music was performed and recorded in the United States, China, and Europe. She was even recognized as one of the top women composers in America.

For many years, Lora was the organist and music director at the Unitarian Universalist Church. This church is also known as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple. She married Harry Busck, who sold old books. They had two daughters. Lora Aborn passed away in Chicago on August 25, 2005.

An interesting fact is that a type of moth was named after her! It's called Lora Aborn's moth.

Musical Works

Lora Aborn composed a wide variety of music. She wrote five full-length ballets and two operas. She also created many pieces for choirs, solo singers, orchestras, and pianos. Here are some examples of the types of music she wrote:

Ballets

Ballets are stories told through dance and music. Lora Aborn wrote several, including:

• American Woman
• In My Landscape
• The Lonely Ones
• Reunion
• Strange New Street

Operas

Operas are plays where the story is mostly sung. Lora Aborn composed two one-act operas:

• Gift of the Magi
• Mitty

Orchestral Music

These are pieces written for a large group of instruments, like a symphony orchestra. Some of her orchestral works include:

• Ethan Frome
• Hiawatha's Childhood
• Symphony in A Minor (also known as the Birdsong Symphony)

Organ Music

Lora Aborn also wrote music for the organ, both for solo organ and for organ with other instruments.

• Canons, Preludes and Fugues (for solo organ)
• Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On (for organ and other instruments)

Piano Music

She composed many pieces for the piano, an instrument she played herself.

• Andante Cantabile
• Four pieces for children
• Sonata in E Minor

Choral Works

Choral works are pieces written for a choir, a group of singers.

• All Creatures of Our God & King
• Chicago, Prairie Gem of Illinois
• Christmas Night

Solo Voice Music

These are songs written for one singer, often with piano accompaniment.

• A Good Wife
• Casey At The Bat
• How Do I Love Thee
• Miracles