Dudley Buck
b. Hartford, Conn., March 10, 1839
d. Orange, N.J., October 6, 1909
Biography
American composer and organist Dudley Buck began his professional
training studying piano with William Babcock. Buck's musical training
continued at the Leipzig Conservatory, where he studied piano,
composition, and orchestration. He completed his schooling in Paris
before returning to the United States in 1862. The remainder of his life
was spent working in church positions and performing; he was one of the
most popular concert artists in his day. Additionally, Buck began
composing; he was the first American to write an organ sonata. His works
established a precedent for higher levels of craftsmanship in American
organ composition.
Points of Interest
- Dudley Buck was the first American composer to be internationally
recognized for church music composition (mostly choral literature).
- Buck wrote a book entitled Illustrations in Choir-Accompaniment with
Hints on Registration that became well accepted in the organ world.
Works
- Grand Sonata in E-flat. Op. 22
- Triumphal March
- Impromptu and Pastorale
- Rondo-Caprice
- At Evening: Four Tone Pictures
- 18 Pedal-Phrasing Studies
- Six Chorale Preludes on Familiar Church Tunes, Op. 49
- The Last Rose of Summer, Op. 59
- Home Sweet Home
- Variations on the Star-Spangled Banner
- Silent Night