Biography

Percy Grainger

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Australian composer Percy Grainger (1882-1961), while he wrote little that might be considered "serious" music, nevertheless produced both original pieces and arrangements that remain popular. He later became interested in what would become known as ethomusicology. Grainger became a United States citizen in 1918. Grainger left Australia in 1895 to study in Frankfurt, Germany. His pianistic abilities attracted the attention of Edvard Grieg, who invited him to Norway to play Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor. Another admirerer and champion, Frederick Delius, remained a life-long friend.
- IMDb mini biography by: Xrysostom
Composer and pianist, a student of Lewis Pabst and James Kwast. He began his concert career in 1901, and was a protege of Grieg, making his American debut in 1915, becoming a US citizen in 1918, and serving in the US Army Band during World War I, later participating in the Army music school. He joined ASCAP in 1924. He was known for experimenting in the "Free Music" movement.
- IMDb mini biography by: Hup234!

One of his pupils was Bernard Herrmann
Grainger left Australia at the age of 13 to attend the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt.
On 9 June 1917, after America's entry into the war, he enlisted as a bandsman in the US Army with the military band of the 15th Coast Artillery in Fort Hamilton. He had joined as a saxophonist, though he records learning the oboe: "I long for the time when I can blow my oboe well enough to play in the band". In his 18 months' service, Grainger made frequent appearances as a pianist at Red Cross and Liberty bond concerts.
In 1956, the suggestion by the composer Keith Humble that Grainger be invited to write music for the opening of the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne was rejected by the organisers of the Games.
In the course of a long and innovative career he played a prominent role in the revival of interest in British folk music in the early years of the 20th century.

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