Viola Van Katwijk facts for kids

Viola Edna Beck Van Katwijk (born February 26, 1894 – died December 25, 1980) was a talented American musician. She was known for playing the piano and writing her own music. Her compositions were published under two names: "Viola Beck" and "Viola Van Katwijk."

Early Life and Musical Start

Viola Van Katwijk was born in Denison, Texas, a town in Texas. Her parents, Mina Frank and Max Oswald Beck, had moved to America from Germany. From a young age, Viola and her sister Irma showed musical talent. They traveled to Berlin, Germany, to study piano with a famous teacher named Richard Burmeister. Viola also learned piano and how to compose music from another well-known musician, Percy Grainger.

A Career in Music

Viola's musical journey began with a big step in 1914. She performed as a solo pianist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, which was a major achievement. She also toured with her brother Curt, who played the violin. They were part of a group called the Beck-Allen Trio.

On July 15, 1922, Viola married Paul van Katwijk. He was also a musician and the dean (head) of the School of Music at Southern Methodist University. After her marriage, Viola joined the university's piano teaching staff. She taught there for many years, from 1922 until she retired in 1955. Viola and Paul also performed together as a piano duo, playing music for two pianos.

Awards and Contributions

Viola Van Katwijk wrote many pieces for the piano and for singers. Her talent was recognized through several awards. She won the national Mu Phi Epsilon composition contest twice, once in 1920 and again in 1930. She also earned two first-place prizes and one second-place prize in a piano composition contest held by the San Antonio Club.

Beyond composing and performing, Viola was also active in the music community. She was one of the first members of the Dallas Music Teachers Association. She also helped start the Mu Chi Chapter of the Mu Phi Epsilon music group, which is a fraternity for musicians.

Her Legacy

Viola Van Katwijk's musical contributions are remembered today. A special collection, called the Paul and Viola van Katwijk Collection, is kept at Southern Methodist University. This collection includes over 100 letters and original music papers from famous composers like Debussy, Mahler, Rachmaninoff, and Rossini. Additionally, three of Viola's own music compositions are stored at the Texas Woman's University Library in Denton, Texas.

Compositions

Here are some of the musical pieces Viola Van Katwijk composed:

Piano Music

• Dusk on a Texas Prairie
• Gamelan
• Jester

Vocal Music

• "My Terrace"
• "Winter Valley"