Strong, Templeton

1856-

 

American composer, who lives abroad. Born of a wealthy and distinguished family in New York, where his father, G. T. Strong, was the chief organizer of the Church Music Association in 1869, and at one time president of the Philharmonic Society. He was associated with music from his youth, and after studying in New York, went to Leipsic and there for a number of years studied piano and composition at the Conservatory. In 1891 he returned to America and became teacher of counterpoint and harmony at the New England Conservatory, where he was very popular; but delicate health forced him to give up this position and return to Europe, where he lives at Veyay in the Swiss Alps, devoting his time to composition. His cantatas, Wie ein fahren der Hornist sich ein Land erblies; and Die verlassene Mühle (The Haunted Mill); and orchestral pieces; Undine, a symphonic poem, after de Motte Fouque; the symphony, In den Bergen (In the Mountains); and Sintram, another symphonic poem after de Motte Fouque, are notable compositions. He has also written a march, Gestrebt-Gewonnen-Gescheitert, for orchestra with violin obbligato; Tonstuck, for English-horn and organ, played at the Festival of the General Association of German Musicians at Carlsruhe in 1885; Romanze in G for violin and piano; numerous pieces for piano, especially Characterstücke; and a few songs.