Composer Claude Baker Speaks to Mount Union Classes

March 7, 2003

The Canton Symphony Orchestra's featured composer Claude Baker visited two Mount Union College music classes on March 7.

Baker's work, "Aus Schwanengesang," will be performed by the Canton Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Umstattd Hall. He will also present a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m.

Baker received doctoral degree from the Eastman School of Music. He has received a number of professional honors, including an Academy Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and two Kennedy Center Friedheim Awards.

Baker spoke to the classes about his composition, "Aus Schwanengesang," which he wrote in response to a commission from the North Carolina Symphony in memory of Peter Worsley, a long-time member of its Board of Trustees.

After talking about his inspiration for writing the composition, Baker played a recording of the piece for the students to hear. He invited the students to attend the Canton Symphony Orchestra performance on March 9.

	Dr. Jerome Miskell introduced Claude Baker to the class.		Claude Baker discussed how the idea for "Aus Schwanengesang" was developed.
	Baker explains how the piece was influenced by the wishes of Peter Worsley's wife.		Baker explained how this work was based on the music from Franz Schubert's song cycle Schwanengesang (Swan Song).
	Baker listens to his work "Aus Schwanengesang" along with the attentive class.		Baker answered questions after the recorded performance was over.