George Whitefield Chadwick

George Whitefield Chadwick (1854-1931) was a figurehead within the "Boston School" and also among the first American composers to leave an enduring mark on Western music. Educated in Europe, Chadwick served as an influential teacher at the New England Conservatory of Music for nearly 50 years and was its director from 1897 to 1931; his students ranged from Horatio Parker to William Grant Still. While the basic conservatism of his style has limited his appeal, Chadwick's music is of very high quality. Chadwick is best known for his Symphonic Sketches and the overture Tam O'Shanter; his songs and choruses are likewise outstanding.