Burleigh's short, compact miniatures for violin and piano were influenced by Edward MacDowell, one of the first major American composers.
Composer Biography
Cecil Burleigh, an American composer and violinist, studied abroad at the Klindworth-Scharwenka Conservatory in Berlin before returning to the US.
Critical Reception
Cecil Burleigh's compositions remain largely unknown today, with one available recording titled 'Sherry Kloss plays Forgotten Gems'.
Composer Biography
Cecil Burleigh held professorships in violin, theory, and composition at various institutions, including the University of Wisconsin from 1921 to 1955.
Compositional Technique
Burleigh's compositions include countless 'moment pieces' (small works similar to preludes), many of which are for violin and piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Both Cecil Burleigh and Edward MacDowell were fascinated with Native Americans, wrote music with an 'American' sound, and brought European training back to the US.
Performer Biography
Zina Schiff, the violinist on this album, is a protégé of Jascha Heifetz, a renowned violin virtuoso.
