Hanson, Howard (1896-1981), was an American composer, conductor, and educator. His works reflect the influence of the romantic movement and of such northern European composers as Jean Sibelius of Finland. Hanson’s most important compositions are his orchestral works, notably his seven symphonies and five symphonic poems. Hanson won the 1944 Pulitzer Prize in music for his Symphony No. 4 (1943). He is best known for his popular Symphony No. 2, the Romantic (1930).
Hanson served as the director of the Eastman School of Music from 1924 to 1964. Through this position, he influenced the musical style of several generations of American composers and musicians. Hanson also introduced the works of American composers to a large audience by conducting programs of American music throughout the United States and Europe. Hanson served as the director of the Institute of American Music at the University of Rochester from 1964 until his death. Howard Harold Hanson was born in Wahoo, Nebraska, on Oct. 28, 1896, and died on Feb. 26, 1981.
