Around the Music Festival

American composer Carlisle Floyd died on September 30th. He was 95 years old. He is known for composing a number of operas that focus on the distortions of modern society, including “Susannah”.

Born in Latta, South Carolina, he grew up in the family of a Methodist minister and studied at Converse University in Spartanberg and Syracuse University in New York. After his graduation, he began composing while teaching piano at Florida State University, and later became a professor of piano and composition.

His creations began with “Slow Dusk” in 1949, and 13 operas have been released. His contributions include “Susannah” in 1955, “Wuthering Heights” in 1958, “Of Mice and Men” in 1970, “Billy’s Doll” in 1976, and “Cold Sassy Tree” in 2000. In 2004, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

His vigorous creativity remained undiminished until his later years, and in 2016, when he was 89, he released “Prince of Players”. A work depicting Edward Kinaston, the last female star who was extremely popular in England during the Restoration of the 17th century.

Photo：National Medal of Arts award　/　Susan Sterner