Synopsis

Today’s date marks the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It is also the birthday of famous American symphonist Roy Harris, who stated he was born in Lincoln County near Chandler, Oklahoma on February 12, 1898. Some have challenged the accuracy of the date, as a land deed associated with his family suggests his birth year might have been 1901, and Harris was the main source of information regarding the actual day of his birth.

There’s also some confusion about exactly how many symphonies Harris wrote, since he didn’t assign numbers to some of the works he labeled “symphonies” or “symphonic” — and in 1976 deliberately misnumbered his Symphony No. 13 as being his Symphony No. 14, because he considered 13 an unlucky number.

Despite all this, Harris’ Symphony No. 3 from 1938 is regularly cited as one of the best American symphonies of the 20th century.

As the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians put it, “the musicality, breadth of vision, and generosity of impulse that form his best music assure him long-term recognition.”

So, whether or not it was in 1898 or 1901, or even on February 12 — Happy Birthday, Mr. Harris!

Music Played in Today's Program

Roy Harris (1898-1979): Symphony No. 3; Dallas Symphony; Eduardo Mata, conductor; Dorian 90170