Gardner Read

Gardner Read (1913-2005) was a prolific American composer and musical scholar whose extensive career spanned over seven decades. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Read's musical journey began with private studies in piano and organ, followed by composition lessons at Northwestern University. He further honed his craft at the Eastman School of Music, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Read's compositions, numbering over 250, encompass a wide array of genres and instrumentations, including symphonies, an opera, and incidental music for plays. His work is characterized by a rich, stately sound-world, blending impressionistic influences with a distinctly American solidity. In addition to his composing, Read was a dedicated educator, serving as Professor Emeritus and Composer-in-Residence at Boston University's School of Music. His scholarly contributions include seminal works on music notation and modern instrumental techniques, making him a respected figure in both composition and music education.