[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1006-E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TRIBUTE TO MORTON GOULD: COMPOSER, CONDUCTOR, AND FRIEND

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 1995
  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight merely a few of 
the countless accomplishments in my dear friend Morton Gould's 
distinguished career, recently capped off by his receipt of the 
Pulitzer Prize for music composition.
  A New York native, Gould began this career at the early age of six, 
when his first composition was published. His tutelage in piano and 
composition continued, and by age 21, he was conducting and arranging 
weekly orchestra radio programs for the WOR Mutual Network.
  Perhaps Gould's most performed instrumental piece is his ``Pavanne,'' 
from his ``Second Symphonette.'' Other works familiar to all of us 
include ``Latin-American Symphonette,'' ``Spirituals for Orchestra,'' 
``Tap Dance Concerto,'' ``Jekyll and Hyde Variations,'' and ``American 
Salute.''
  The Library of Congress has commissioned his work, as well as the 
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The New York City Ballet, and 
the American Ballet Theater. He has composed scores for Broadway 
musicals, films, and both television movies and series.
  Conductors worldwide have had the pleasure of directing performances 
of his compositions, and, as conductor, Gould has appeared with major 
orchestras in the United States, Japan, Australia, and Israel.
  Some of Gould's other awards include a Grammy Award, several Grammy 
nominations, the 1983 Gold Baton Award, the 1985 Medal of Honor for 
Music from the National Arts Club, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 
1994. He received the Pulitzer Prize this year for ``Stringmusic,'' 
which was composed at the [[Page E1007]] request of Director 
Rostropovich, to commemorate his last season as director of the 
Washington, DC, National Symphony Orchestra.
  Gould served as president of ASCAP [American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers] from 1986 to 1994. He has been an ASCAP member 
since 1935 and a board member since 1959.
  Certainly we have all benefited over the years from his work and know 
that future generations will benefit as well. Please join me today in 
honoring one of America's truest virtuosos.


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