Ernest Schelling

Ernest Schelling ( born July 26, 1878 in Belvidere (New Jersey); † December 8, 1939 in Manhattan) was an American pianist, composer and conductor. Schelling wrote numerous pieces for piano, orchestra and chamber orchestra, which were performed during his lifetime. His most famous work is the symphonic poem A Victory ball

Life

Schelling received his first music lessons from his father and made ​​his first appearance as a pianist at the age of four years in Philadelphia. With seven years he continued his musical training in Paris. The age of twenty he became the pupil Ignacy Paderewski. With the beginning of the 20th century led him on a tour of Europe, North and South America, which established his reputation as a pianist. He was a court musician of the Countess of Mecklenburg -Schwerin and began to compose during this time.

In 1917 he went to the United States Army Intelligence and served during World War II. He received high military awards and was eliminated in the war with the rank of Major in the service.

From 1924 he conducted the "Young People's Concerts ," the children's concerts of the New York Philharmonic. This great task was to change his whole future life. The concerts were a combination of lectures, slides and examples of the orchestra, which should bring children closer understanding and love of music. He moved so throughout America from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to London and Rotterdam.

From 1936 to 1938 Schelling was also music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Schelling organized charity events for composers working for the " Muscian Relief Fund " ( Troubled musician) and was president of the Edward MacDowell Association. He campaigned for the announcement of American music in Europe. On the other hand, he helped to bring many European musicians to America, such as Enrique Granados, which he took under his wing.