American Composer Charles Ives Died On This Day in 1954

American composer Charles Ives died on this day in 1954 - aged 79

On this day, American composer Charles Ives died in 1954 - aged 79. He is remembered as America's first composer of international renown – credited with pioneering a number of experimental techniques such as polytonality, polyrhythm, tone clusters, aleatoric elements & quarter tones.

The works of Ives are all about the American experience, especially relating to New England. With the utilization of popular hymns in New England, folk tunes, military marches, and songs that were popular at the time, Ives paved the way for future composers to continue writing music in the American style.

In addition to being a composer, Ives also was an accomplished pianist and organist. Not being able to make a living strictly off of music, Ives resorted to becoming an insurance clerk and eventually creating his own insurance partnership: Ives & Myrick.

Ives' most acclaimed works include his Piano Sonata No. 2, Concord Mass., 1840-1860, his orchestral work "The Unanswered Question," and the Third Symphony. The composition of the latter led to Ives receiving the Pulitzer Prize in 1947.

CHARLES IVES | SYMPHONY NO. 2 | LEONARD BERNSTEIN & THE BAVARIAN RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA