- Original name:
- Peter Mennini
- Born:
- May 17, 1923, Erie, Pa., U.S.
- Died:
- June 17, 1983, New York, N.Y. (aged 60)
- Movement / Style:
- Neoclassical art
Peter Mennin
Peter Mennin (born May 17, 1923, Erie, Pa., U.S.βdied June 17, 1983, New York, N.Y.) was an American composer and educator best known for his symphonic works written in a conservative Neoclassical vein.
Mennin studied at Oberlin College and the Eastman School of Music and won the first Gershwin Memorial Award with his Symphony No. 2 (1945). After teaching (1947β58) at the Juilliard School of Music, he became director (1958β62) of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and president (1962β83) of the Juilliard School.
In addition to nine symphonies and other orchestral pieces, Mennin wrote concerti for the violin, cello, and piano. He also produced two string quartets, a piano sonata, and other chamber and keyboard pieces. His vocal compositions include the Cantata de Virtute (1968β69) for narrator, soloists, chorus, and orchestra.
