Morten Lauridsen, Part 1: American Composer, Educator and National Medal of Arts Recipient

Morten Lauridsen has written choral music that has deeply moved people around the world. As one of America’s most beloved and also most performed composers, he received the National Medal of Arts in 2007. His works O Magnum Mysterium, Dirat-on, O Nata Lux, and Sure On This Shining Night have become the all-time best selling choral octavos distributed by Theodore Presser Music. Not only a composer but also a teacher, he taught at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music for 52 years (!), was head of the composition department from 1990-2002, and founded the school's Advanced Studies in Film Scoring program, now one of the most important film scoring programs in the world.Early in his life, Morten Lauridsen was a fire fighter in the Pacific Northwest, so I ask him how his 10 weeks alone in a lookout tower pointed him in the direction of music. From there he discusses his studies at the University of Southern California under the tutelage of Halsey Stevens and Ingolf Dahl, two giants in the world of music. And then we begin our discussion of his composing career with a deep dive into perhaps his most famous work, O Magnum Mysterium.DoricoProfessional music notation and composition software from Steinberg. Download a free 30-trial today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more! As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including: Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again. Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!