MacDowell, Edward Alexander (1861-1908), was an American composer and pianist. During his lifetime, many people considered him the greatest composer in the history of American music. Today, he is primarily known for such short piano pieces as “To a Wild Rose” and “To a Water Lily.” Both were part of a collection called Woodland Sketches (1896).
To a Wild Rose
MacDowell’s works reflect the rich harmonies of the European romantic composers, notably Edvard Grieg of Norway. MacDowell dedicated his Norse Sonatas (1900) and Keltic Sonatas (1901) to Grieg. MacDowell also composed many songs and a few orchestral works.
MacDowell was born on Dec. 18, 1861, in New York City. He headed the newly formed music department at Columbia University from 1896 to 1904. MacDowell died on Jan. 23, 1908.
