October Composers: Some of My Favorites, Part 1

October is one of my favorite months: crisp, cooler weather, colorful leaves . . . and some of my favorite composers! I’ve included a bio snippet or a link to one of their best-known works. There were so many favorites, I divided into Parts 1 & 2. Enjoy!

Paul Dukas (10/01/1865) – French composer, critic, scholar, and teacher. Sorcerer’s Apprentice

William Billings (10/07/1746) – First significant American-born composer

Ralph Vaughan Williams (10/12/1972) – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Louis Vierne (10/08/1870) – A French organist and composer who was born blind, then partially regained his sight around age 6. Known for his organ music, including 6 organ symphonies.

Camille Saint-Saëns (10/09/1835) - French organist, composer, conductor, and pianist. Danse Macabre.

Giuseppe Verdi (10/10/1813). Beloved Italian opera composer. La Traviata

Charles Ives (10/20/1874). One of the first American composers of international renown. Variations on America and The Unanswered Question