Israel Citkowitz
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6 February 1909
Israel Citkowitz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Israel Citkowitz 6 February 1909 |
| Died | 4 May 1974 (aged 65) Westminster, London, England |
| Occupations | Pianist, composer, teacher, critic |
| Years active | 1927–1974 |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 4, including Eugenia |
Israel Citkowitz (6 February 1909 – 4 May 1974)[1] was a Polish-born American pianist, composer, teacher, and critic.[2]
Israel Citkowitz was born on 6 February 1909 into a Jewish family in Skierniewice, Poland,[3] the first of two children to Ida Frankon and Abraham Citkowitz.[4] He was brought to the United States when he was three.[5] Citkowitz had a sister, Rebecca.[5]
As a teenager, Citkowitz studied composition with Aaron Copland and Roger Sessions. He later traveled to Paris where he studied counterpoint with Nadia Boulanger.[1]
Career
From 1927 to 1929, Citkowitz was a member of Shakespeare and Company.[6]
During the 1930s, Citkowitz published music criticism in Modern Music and Musical Mercury. Among his pieces was the first English-language introduction to Schenker's ideas, The Role of Heinrich Schenker.[2]
In 1939, Citkowitz was appointed teacher of counterpoint and composition, which included Song Cycle to Words of Joyce, String Quartet and the choral music, The Lamb, at the Dalcroze School of Music in New York City.[2][1] Among his students were the English composer Leo Smith, and later, the American conductor Richard Kapp.[2]
Citkowitz wrote poetry including Autumn and The Prodigals of Summer.[7]
Discography
Source:[8]
- But Yesterday Is Not Today (1977). New World Records — NW 243
- Modern America Art Songs (Unknown). New Editions (2) — NE 2
