Roger Sessions Quotes

A collection of quotes by Roger Sessions.

Roger Sessions (1896-1985) was an American composer and music theorist known for his contributions to modern classical music. Born on December 28, 1896, in Brooklyn, New York, Sessions displayed a talent for music at an early age. He started learning piano and violin in his childhood and later pursued his musical studies at Harvard University and the Yale School of Music.

Sessions' compositions were heavily influenced by the works of Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg, embracing serialism and atonal techniques as a means of expression. His music often explored complex harmonic structures and rhythmic intricacies, showcasing an intellectual depth and exploration of emotional and philosophical ideas.

Throughout his career, Sessions composed a wide variety of works, including symphonies, chamber music, choral pieces, and operas. Notable among his compositions are the orchestral works "The Black Maskers," "Symphony No. 2," and "Symphony No. 9." He also wrote several influential treatises on music theory, including "Harmonic Practice" and "The Musical Experience."

In addition to his composing and theoretical work, Sessions held teaching positions at various institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the Juilliard School. He significantly impacted the next generation of composers through his pedagogical approach, emphasizing the importance of a rigorous understanding of traditional musical concepts combined with an openness to new ideas.

Roger Sessions passed away on March 16, 1985, in Princeton, New Jersey. He left behind a rich musical legacy and remains an important figure in the development of American modernist music.