W. Spencer Huffman, Master Composer
WALTER SPENCER HUFFMAN (1921 - 2005) showed early signs of remarkable musical gifts. At a young age, he taught himself to read music, and began composing orchestral pieces. After service in WWII, Huffman resumed his studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, graduating in 1947 with the coveted Artist's Diploma in composition.
Huffman was a member of the Peabody composition faculty from 1949 to 1956. Following his tenure, he continued to write music and teach composition privately until his death in 2005.
Revered and loved by many of his students, Huffman's knowledge of the great musical literature of the 18th and 19th centuries was legendary. Composing from the early 1940's to the1990's, he was hailed as "one of the countries leading young composers" (The Baltimore Sun, April 1958.)
His earlier works reflect influences of Stravinsky. Later compositions reflect his great admiration for the musical legacy and great harmonic beauty of Brahms.
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IN HIS OWN WORDS: (FROM HUFFMAN'S WRITINGS, late 1950's):
"The music of Spencer Huffman is not similar to any other contemporary music. It is a reaction against the complication, impracticality, incoherence and cultism that typify the present scene. It is a positive force for simplicity, practicality, coherency and the use of a basic musical language that is easily understood by all.
His music stems from the conviction that the realm of the composer is creation of beauty and architecture within the discipline of a broadly understood language. He believes the creative process that produces lasting work is built on organization and simple beauty rather than experimentation.
Only a reconnection with the traditions of the great and lasting literature will make our contemporary music once again a living thing - a part of the lives of the people. "
Huffman was a member of the Peabody composition faculty from 1949 to 1956. Following his tenure, he continued to write music and teach composition privately until his death in 2005.
Revered and loved by many of his students, Huffman's knowledge of the great musical literature of the 18th and 19th centuries was legendary. Composing from the early 1940's to the1990's, he was hailed as "one of the countries leading young composers" (The Baltimore Sun, April 1958.)
His earlier works reflect influences of Stravinsky. Later compositions reflect his great admiration for the musical legacy and great harmonic beauty of Brahms.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
IN HIS OWN WORDS: (FROM HUFFMAN'S WRITINGS, late 1950's):
"The music of Spencer Huffman is not similar to any other contemporary music. It is a reaction against the complication, impracticality, incoherence and cultism that typify the present scene. It is a positive force for simplicity, practicality, coherency and the use of a basic musical language that is easily understood by all.
His music stems from the conviction that the realm of the composer is creation of beauty and architecture within the discipline of a broadly understood language. He believes the creative process that produces lasting work is built on organization and simple beauty rather than experimentation.
Only a reconnection with the traditions of the great and lasting literature will make our contemporary music once again a living thing - a part of the lives of the people. "