Sessions, Roger. (1896-1985). Autograph Letter . A highly interesting autograph letter from the Pulitzer Prize winning American composer. 2 pages, University of California letterhead. January 11, 1948. Addressed to music historian Eric Simon, regarding Simon's editing of Sessions' "Piano Sonata No. 2." In part: "I am returning that Sonata, on which you have done a wonderful job. You will see my comments in pencil...In I think three cases (no. four-m. 17, 213, 220, 351) was I not...in agreement with your changes. In m. 212 & 220 I feel your changes distort my rhythmic picture & I suggested alternatives...In m. 17 & 351 I still prefer my original...& have tried to explain why...If I am being over-subtle in these matters don't hesitate to hold your ground...in any case there is of course not one in a hundred pianists...who would undertake my Sonata...Bernard Abramowitsch, who is to play the Sonata here in February found a few mistakes...I have indicated them in pencil..."
A musical prodigy, Sessions studied at Harvard University from the age of 14 and subsequently edited the Harvard Musical Review until his graduation four years later. Further studies at Yale were with Horatio Parker and Ernest Bloch. Sessions was one of the most influential teachers of the century and taught at Princeton, UC Berkeley, and Juilliard. His students included Babbitt, Maxwell Davies, Tredici, Harbison, Helps, Zwillich and many others. Also a prolific composer, his many fine works include nine symphonies.
A musical prodigy, Sessions studied at Harvard University from the age of 14 and subsequently edited the Harvard Musical Review until his graduation four years later. Further studies at Yale were with Horatio Parker and Ernest Bloch. Sessions was one of the most influential teachers of the century and taught at Princeton, UC Berkeley, and Juilliard. His students included Babbitt, Maxwell Davies, Tredici, Harbison, Helps, Zwillich and many others. Also a prolific composer, his many fine works include nine symphonies.
Sessions, Roger. (1896-1985). Autograph Letter . A highly interesting autograph letter from the Pulitzer Prize winning American composer. 2 pages, University of California letterhead. January 11, 1948. Addressed to music historian Eric Simon, regarding Simon's editing of Sessions' "Piano Sonata No. 2." In part: "I am returning that Sonata, on which you have done a wonderful job. You will see my comments in pencil...In I think three cases (no. four-m. 17, 213, 220, 351) was I not...in agreement with your changes. In m. 212 & 220 I feel your changes distort my rhythmic picture & I suggested alternatives...In m. 17 & 351 I still prefer my original...& have tried to explain why...If I am being over-subtle in these matters don't hesitate to hold your ground...in any case there is of course not one in a hundred pianists...who would undertake my Sonata...Bernard Abramowitsch, who is to play the Sonata here in February found a few mistakes...I have indicated them in pencil..."
A musical prodigy, Sessions studied at Harvard University from the age of 14 and subsequently edited the Harvard Musical Review until his graduation four years later. Further studies at Yale were with Horatio Parker and Ernest Bloch. Sessions was one of the most influential teachers of the century and taught at Princeton, UC Berkeley, and Juilliard. His students included Babbitt, Maxwell Davies, Tredici, Harbison, Helps, Zwillich and many others. Also a prolific composer, his many fine works include nine symphonies.
A musical prodigy, Sessions studied at Harvard University from the age of 14 and subsequently edited the Harvard Musical Review until his graduation four years later. Further studies at Yale were with Horatio Parker and Ernest Bloch. Sessions was one of the most influential teachers of the century and taught at Princeton, UC Berkeley, and Juilliard. His students included Babbitt, Maxwell Davies, Tredici, Harbison, Helps, Zwillich and many others. Also a prolific composer, his many fine works include nine symphonies.