MacDowell, Edward, 1861-1908.
Biographical Statement
Edward Alexander MacDowell, an American composer, was born December 18, 1860 in New York City. He studied there with Teresa Carreno and moved to Paris to study under Antoine Marmontel. He later studied under Joachim Raff in Frankfurt and then went on to teach in Darmstadt. In 1882, while in Germany, MacDowell was introduced to Franz Liszt, who arranged for MacDowell to play Liszt's Modern Suite. MacDowell moved to the U.S. in 1889 and was invited in 1896 to establish the Music School at Columbia University, which he accepted with vigor and enthusiasm. After meeting with strong resistance he resigned in 1904. Adverse publicity from his resignation sent him into a nervous breakdown from which he never recovered. MacDowell died tragically in the city of his birth on January 23, 1908.
After MacDowell's death his widow established the Edward MacDowell Colony on the property held in Peterborough, New Hampshire. This colony became a lasting institution and serves as a summer residence and retreat for American composers and writers.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Edward A. MacDowell Papers
The Edward A. MacDowell Papers are composed of a small collection of photographs and postcards of the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. There are pamphlets of MacDowell Clubs and annual reports from the Edward MacDowell Memorial Association (1915,16). A few news clippings from the 1930s highlight events at the colony.