Grainger, Percy (1882-1961), was an Australian-born composer and pianist. His best-known compositions are based on the folk music of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Among these is Molly on the Shore in versions for orchestra, small orchestra, strings, and piano. His choral works include Green Bushes, Marching Song of Democracy, and Tribute to Foster. Grainger was also a music experimenter. For example, his Free Music for Theremin uses one of the earliest electronic instruments. Grainger’s music has become popular with wind bands.
Percy Aldridge Grainger was born on July 8, 1882, in Melbourne. In 1906, Grainger met the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Grainger became a leading interpreter of Grieg’s piano music. Grieg inspired Grainger to collect British folk songs and dances. Grainger moved to the United States in 1914 and became a United States citizen in 1919. He died on Feb. 20, 1961.
