[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MORTON GOULD

                                 ______


                          HON. MARTIN R. HOKE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 1996

  Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago America lost one of its most 
celebrated musicians. I am speaking of Morton Gould--a man whose entire 
life was dedicated to enriching the lives of those around him. Anyone 
who has attended a Gould-conducted concert, or has heard his works 
performed knows the power of his music. From classical orchestral 
movements to rap arrangements, Mr. Gould's work was particularly 
American--making use of jazz, blues, spirituals, and folk music.
  A musical genius, Mr. Gould published his first work ``Just Six'' at 
the age of 6. As a teenager, he played the piano for the 1932 opening 
of Radio City Music Hall. As an adult, he continued to thrill audiences 
with his work. Mr. Gould joined the American Society for Composers, 
Authors, and Publishers in 1935, and served as that body's 
distinguished president from 1986 to 1994. A tireless advocate for new 
American composers, he constantly sought opportunities to showcase 
their work. As a conductor, Mr. Gould led countless orchestras 
throughout the world and recorded over 100 albums.
  Morton Gould's contributions span eight decades and include 
significant works for film, theater, and the ballet. While his honors 
and accolades are too numerous to recount, a few highlights are worth 
mentioning: the Kennedy Center Honor in 1994, the Pulitzer Prize in 
Music in 1995, membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters 
in 1986, and a Grammy Award in 1966.
  The night before Morton Gould's death, the U.S. Military Academy Band 
honored him with an exclusive performance of his works. Mr. Gould 
attended the concert and received a standing ovation for not only his 
own distinguished accomplishments, but for the legacy he leaves future 
generations of musicians. Rising out of the ashes of the Great 
Depression, with a strength of spirit and a dedication to his art, Mr. 
Gould used his music and his humanity to touch others. How fitting it 
is that the last musical experience of his earthly life was a tribute 
to those ideals.
  On a personal note, I was first touched by Mr. Gould's music as a 
first grader, when a recording of ``American Salute'' was played in my 
music appreciation class at Lakeview Elementary School in Lorain, OH. 
It is a splendid piece--weaving the patriotic march theme of ``When 
Johnny Comes Marching Home Again'' through a tapestry of other well 
known American folk songs. What an honor it was, 35 years later, for me 
to meet the maestro himself in my Capitol Hill office and thank him for 
the musical gift he gave me as a child. Thank you, Mr. Gould. We shall 
miss you.

                          ____________________