March 11, 1897:
08:30 Henry Dixon Cowell is born at 2156 Harkins Avenue, Menlo Park, California, USA, only child of Irish immigrant Henry (Harry) Clayton Blackwood Cowell, an aspiring essayist and poet, himself the son of the Dean of Kildare Cathedral, and Clarissa Belknap Dixon Davidson, a writer and daughter of a cabinet maker. Mrs. Cowell has one son by a previous marriage.
November 16, 1902:
Henry Cowell (5) has his first music lesson, with violinist Sylvia Holmes in San Francisco.
December 8, 1903:
Clarissa Cowell, mother of Henry Cowell (6), divorces Henry’s father Harry in order that he may marry Henrietta Grothwell, with whom he has been living. Harry agrees to place the boy in the custody of his mother and provide child support.
April 18, 1906:
05:13 San Francisco is destroyed by an earthquake and fire. Between 450 and 500 people are killed. 28,000 buildings are demolished and 250,000 people are left homeless. The sets and costumes of the Metropolitan Opera, currently performing in the city, are completely destroyed. Henry Cowell (12) and his mother are staying with friends near Menlo Park. They survive unhurt but the building they are in is seriously damaged. (It is presumed that their house in San Francisco is destroyed)
April 19, 1906:
In Menlo Park, Henry Cowell (12) and his mother view with dismay the glow in the northern sky from the burning of San Francisco.
February 17, 1912:
Henry Cowell’s (14) mother takes the family’s last 60 dollars and buys an old piano for her son from a music shop located near Stanford University.
March 12, 1912:
Henry Cowell (15) gives a piano recital before an invited audience at the San Francisco Music Club. He plays all his own music, including Night Sounds, The Ghouls Gallop and Weird Night.
August 16, 1913:
Incidental music for Kanno’s play Music for Creation Dawn for piano by Henry Cowell (16) is performed for the first time, by the composer, in Carmel, California.
March 5, 1914:
Henry Cowell (16) makes his official debut as composer and pianist, at a meeting of the San Francisco Musical Club in the Hotel St. Francis. Adventures in Harmony for piano is performed for the first time. His mother manages to convince two music reviewers to attend. They are generally encouraging.
September 15, 1914:
At the suggestion of Charles Seeger, Henry Cowell (17) begins taking music classes at the University of California, Berkeley while studying “free composition” with Seeger.
January 20, 1916:
Incidental music to Giffin’s play Red Silence by Henry Cowell (18) is performed for the first time, in Hotel St. Francis, San Francisco.
May 15, 1916:
Henry Cowell’s (19) mother, Clarissa Dixon Davidson Cowell, dies of breast cancer in Menlo Park, California. Henry is presently a student at the University of California, Berkeley.
January 15, 1917:
Henry Cowell (19) leaves the Institute of Musical Arts in New York, where he had enrolled two months ago. He is unhappy with the quality of instruction and earned the ire of the director, Frank Damrosch.
August 18, 1917:
Henry Cowell’s (20) opera The Building of Bamba, to words of Varian, is performed for the first time, in an incomplete state, in Halcyon, California. See 7 August 1930.
February 23, 1918:
World War I: Henry Cowell (20) enlists in the United States Army at Oakland, California. He will spend most of his 15 months in uniform as a flutist at Camp Crane near Allenstown, Pennsylvania.
April 2, 1918:
At Camp Crane in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Henry Cowell (21) and his fellow recruits receive immunizations against typhus and typhoid. They assume that this means they are being sent to the front.
May 6, 1919:
Henry Cowell (22) is discharged from the United States Army at Fort Ontario, New York.
November 29, 1919:
Henry Cowell (22) performs a successful all-Cowell concert in Wannamaker’s Department Store in New York.
November 6, 1920:
Several works by Henry Cowell (23) are performed for the first time, in the Community House, Palo Alto, California by the composer: Sonate for cello and piano, Prelude specifique, Annunciation, Prelude dimplomatique, Sifting, and The Sea Ride for piano, and two songs for voice and piano to words of Stevenson, Rain and Looking Forward. Reviews of Cowell’s recital are widely mixed.
April 15, 1922:
Edna Smith, a Ph.D. student at Columbia University with whom Henry Cowell (25) has become serious, is killed, along with her sister, when their car is struck by a train in Lakehurst, New Jersey.
May 29, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) and pianists Richard Buhlig and Wesley Kuhnle depart New York for Europe aboard the SS Bremen. They will give several concerts throughout the continent.
June 10, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26), Richard Buhlig and Wesley Kuhnle arrive in Bremen, twelve days out of New York. They find that one of their US dollars is equivalent to 94,000 marks. Cowell will rent a room for eighteen cents a day.
October 11, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) gives his first European recital in the Hercules-Saal in Munich.
October 15, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) gives a recital in the Feurich-Saal, Leipzig. While playing his own music, the audience reacts badly, hurling insults at the young pianist-composer and finally charging the stage. Police are called to restore order.
October 31, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) gives a recital at the Neuer Saal der Berg, Vienna. One audience member registers his unhappiness through the performance but the evening is generally peaceful. Reviews are not kind.
November 17, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) performs as pianist-composer at the Salle Erard, Paris. The audience is polite, the critics generally unfavorable.
November 23, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) performs a recital in Berlin. Reviews are a little better here than elsewhere on his tour.
November 26, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) departs Germany. The mark is now 4,000,000,000,000 to the dollar.
December 10, 1923:
The first of the Two Movements for Piano by Henry Cowell (26) is performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London by the composer. Reviews of the recital go from bad to worse. While in London, Cowell stays at the home of the soprano Lady Dorothy Mayer. While practicing in the early morning, another guest appears in his bathrobe, intrigued by the sounds he hears. It is Béla Bartók (42). When Cowell tells him of his disappointment in Paris, Bartók tells him to go back to Paris and he will organize a concert which would attract important people. He will do so.
December 16, 1923:
Henry Cowell (26) repeats his 17 November recital at the Salon d’Automne, Paris.
December 29, 1923:
After seven months of concertizing in Europe, Henry Cowell (26) leaves Paris for Cherbourg to take ship for home.
January 10, 1924:
Henry Cowell (26) returns to New York after seven months of concertizing in Europe.
February 4, 1924:
Henry Cowell (26) makes his official American debut in a performance of his own works at Carnegie Hall. Critics are mixed.
October 22, 1924:
The New Music Society, founded by Henry Cowell (27), gives its first concert, in Los Angeles.
February 8, 1925:
From the Land of Dreams for orchestra by William Grant Still (29) is performed for the first time, in an International Composers’ Guild concert in Aeolian Hall, New York. The first performance of any of his concert music, Still will say “It was one of the greatest moments of my life.” Also on the program is the premiere of Ensemble for string quintet with thunder sticks by Henry Cowell (27) and Tres exágonos for voice and piano by Carlos Chávez (25). Mr. Cowell plays the thunder sticks. This is the first significant performance of the music of Carlos Chávez in the US.
May 12, 1925:
Passage for violin and piano by Henry Cowell (28) is performed for the first time, in Monterrey, California, the composer at the piano.
October 18, 1925:
The Fire of the Cauldron for piano by Henry Cowell (28) is performed for the first time, in Los Angeles.
October 22, 1925:
The first concert of the New Music Society of California takes place in the ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles. Organized by Henry Cowell (28) as an offshoot of Edgard Varèse’s (41) International Composers’ Guild, its “Resident Cooperating Committee” consists of Arthur Bliss, Henry Eichheim, and Dane Rudhyar (30). The program tonight includes music of Darius Milhaud (33), Carl Ruggles (49), Varèse, Leo Ornstein, Arnold Schoenberg (51), and Rudhyar.
January 23, 1926:
On the night before the premiere of Carl Ruggles’ (49) Portals, the parts are found to be missing. Ruggles, Henry Cowell (28), and Charles Seeger spend the entire night copying out new parts.
February 2, 1926:
Two works by Henry Cowell (28) are performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, New York: String Quartet no.1 and Seven Paragraphs for violin, viola, and cello.
March 29, 1926:
Henry Cowell (29) and Leo Linder perform at the Polish Artists Club in Warsaw. The press gives Cowell’s compositions guarded, but generally positive reviews.
April 9, 1926:
Henry Cowell (29) gives a performance of his works in Brno at the invitation of the Club of Moravian Composers. While in Brno, Cowell makes the acquaintance of Leos Janácek (71) and the two have long conversations. Cowell will tell Janácek “that you are without doubt one of the very greatest of living composers, without reservations.”
April 21, 1926:
Henry Cowell (29) performs his music in the small auditorium of the Musikverein in Vienna. Reviews are widely mixed.
April 28, 1926:
In spite of warnings to him by Béla Bartók (45), Henry Cowell (29) performs in the municipal auditorium in Budapest. Reactions are not favorable.
May 21, 1926:
His co-performer Leo Linder having abandoned him, Henry Cowell (29) performs at the Salle Pleyel, Paris. He has to create an entirely new program.
October 31, 1926:
The Sleep Music of the Dagna for piano and strings by Henry Cowell (29) is performed for the first time, in the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.
July 27, 1927:
In Menlo Park, California, Henry Cowell (30) writes to Charles Ives (52) for the first time. He asks Ives to subscribe to his nascent journal New Music Quarterly, asks to see Ives’ music, and offers him honorary membership and a seat on the board of the New Music Society. See 16 August 1927.
October 15, 1927:
The first issue of New Music Quarterly, founded by Henry Cowell (30), is published.
October 25, 1927:
Having moved from Los Angeles, the first concert of the 1927-28 season of the New Music Society of California takes place in San Francisco. The director, Henry Cowell (30), conducts in public for the first time.
December 29, 1927:
Where She Lies for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (30) to words of Millay is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
February 2, 1928:
An informal meeting of Edgard Varèse (44), Carlos Chávez (28), Henry Cowell (30), and four others takes place in Birchard Hall, New York to plan a new Pan-American Association of Composers.
April 28, 1928:
Henry Cowell’s (31) Sinfonietta (originally Marked Passages) for chamber orchestra, is performed for the first time, in Jordan Hall, Boston. Also premiered is Henry F. Gilbert’s (59) Suite for chamber orchestra.
March 11, 1929:
Irish Suite, a concerto for piano, strings, and chamber orchestra by Henry Cowell, is performed for the first time, in Boston, the composer at the keyboard on his 32nd birthday.
March 18, 1929:
Henry Cowell (32), accompanied by his father and stepmother, departs New York for his third trip to Europe.
May 27, 1929:
Henry Cowell (32) performs a “presentation of new acoustical experiments on the piano” in the Central House of Workers’ Arts, Moscow. Despite official attempts to annoy and dismay the audience, he is warmly received.
May 30, 1929:
Henry Cowell (32) performs at the Institute of History of Arts in Leningrad.
June 18, 1929:
After three months in Europe, Henry Cowell (32) departs Cherbourg for New York.
September 11, 1929:
Henry Cowell (32) is admitted to the Community Hospital of San Mateo County, Belmont, California, because of blood poisoning due to a boil under his shoulder blade. See 25 October 1929.
October 25, 1929:
After six weeks of blood poisoning, infection, skin grafts, several operations, and near death in the Community Hospital of San Mateo County, Belmont, California, Henry Cowell (32) is released and allowed to go home.
February 27, 1930:
Men and Machines, dance music by Henry Cowell (32) to a story by Findlay, is performed for the first time, in Brooklyn.
April 21, 1930:
The first concert of the Pan-American Association of Composers, led by Henry Cowell (33) takes place in Carnegie Chamber Hall (Weill Recital Hall), New York. It includes the premieres of Set no.8 for chamber orchestra by Charles Ives (55) and Rat Riddles, a song for alto, oboe, percussion, and piano by Ruth Crawford (28) to words of Sandburg. Also on the program is music by Carlos Chávez (30), Dane Rudhyar (35), Henry Brant (16) and Cowell.
April 26, 1930:
The first two movements of Henry Cowell’s (33) Concerto for piano and orchestra are performed for the first time, in New York, the composer at the keyboard. See 28 December 1930.
August 7, 1930:
The first complete performance of Henry Cowell’s (33) opera The Building of Bamba, to words of Varian, takes place in Halcyon, California. See 18 August 1917.
December 28, 1930:
Piano Concerto by Henry Cowell (33) is performed completely for the first time, in Havana, the composer at the piano. It is enormously successful. See 26 April 1930.
February 4, 1931:
Steel and Stone, dance music by Henry Cowell (33) to a scenario by Weidman, is performed for the first time, in New York. See 5 January 1932.
March 7, 1931:
Henry Cowell (33) gives $200 to Lev Sergeyevich Termen (Leon Theremin) (34) for the invention and construction of an instrument which will be known as the rhythmicon.
March 9, 1931:
How Old is Song? for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (33) to words of his father Harry Cowell is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
April 5, 1931:
Henry Cowell (34) is awarded a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship of $2,500 to study non-western music.
June 6, 1931:
Orchesterstück: Synchrony, by Henry Cowell (34) is performed for the first time, in Salle Gaveau, Paris under the name Synchrony of Dance, Music, Light. Also premiered is the version for full orchestra of Carl Ruggles’ (55) Men and Mountains. Attending is Ruth Crawford (29) on her Guggenheim fellowship. It is an important concert of American moderns, introducing Europe to the music of Ives (56), Varèse (47), and Ruggles, all conducted by Nicholas Slonimsky. See 7 December 1924.
September 22, 1931:
Henry Cowell (34) departs New York for Europe in his Guggenheim fellowship. He plans to go to Berlin to study the collection of 22,000 cylinder recordings of music from around the world.
November 23, 1931:
A concert by Henry Cowell’s (34) Pan-American Association of Composers takes place in Madrid before a packed house. The music of Latin American composers has not arrived so the music is all by North Americans, causing criticism in the press. Nevertheless, it is a success.
January 5, 1932:
Two arrangements by Henry Cowell (34) of his own dance music are performed for the first time, in New York: Dance of Work (originally Steel and Stone) and Dance of Sport (originally Competitive Sport). See 4 February 1931.
January 19, 1932:
The Rhythmicon is demonstrated for the first time, at the New School for Social Research in New York. The instrument is a result of the collaboration of Lev Sergeyevich Termen (Leon Theremin) (35) and Henry Cowell (34).
March 5, 1932:
Nicolas Slonimsky conducts an all-American program with the Berlin Philharmonic. Works performed include Three Places in New England by Charles Ives (57), Sun Treader by Carl Ruggles (55), Arcana by Edgar Varese (48), and Synchrony by Henry Cowell (34). The audience showers the performers with boos and whistles.
August 26, 1932:
Henry Cowell (35), Arnold Schoenberg (57), and Adolph Weiss dine together in Berlin. Cowell and Schoenberg have become friends and tennis partners.
October 19, 1932:
Arnold Schoenberg (58) hears Henry Cowell (35) play for the first time, in Berlin. He invites him to play Dynamic Motion for his analysis class.
November 4, 1932:
Polyphonica for twelve instruments and chamber orchestra by Henry Cowell (35) is performed for the first time, in New School Auditorium, New York.
December 1, 1932:
Henry Cowell (35) plays his music at the Bauhaus in Berlin. Walter Gropius and László Moholy-Nagy see a connection between their work in architecture and Cowell’s.
December 22, 1932:
Henry Cowell (35) sails from Hamburg making for New York.
January 7, 1933:
Writing in the Northwest Musical Herald, Henry Cowell (35) nominates Arnold Schoenberg (58) as the “greatest living composer.”
March 6, 1933:
Ionisation for 13 percussionists by Edgard Varèse (49) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York. Among the performers are Henry Cowell (35) and William Schuman (22). On the same program is the premiere of Sacco, Vanzetti, a ricercar for voice and piano by Ruth Crawford Seeger (31) to words of Tsiang.
May 17, 1933:
Reel for small orchestra by Henry Cowell (36) is performed for the first time, at the New School in New York.
September 30, 1933:
Six Casual Developments for clarinet and piano by Henry Cowell (36) is performed for the first time, in Saratoga Springs, New York.
October 22, 1933:
Horn Pipe for orchestra by Henry Cowell (36) is performed for the first time, in Havana.
December 10, 1933:
Two new works by Henry Cowell (36) are performed for the first time, in New York: Four Continuations for String Orchestra, and Three Dances of Activity to a scenario by Delza.
February 25, 1934:
Henry Cowell’s (36) dance music Six Casual Developments to a scenario by Graham is performed for the first time, in New York. See 30 September 1933.
May 21, 1934:
Suite for small orchestra by Henry Cowell (37) is performed for the first time, in New York.
April 10, 1935:
The board of the International Exchange Concerts, led by Edgar Varese (51), decides to affiliate with the ISCM, essentially killing the project. This is done with four members not present, including Henry Cowell (38).
June 7, 1935:
Incidental music to Welles’ play Fanati by Henry Cowell (38) is performed for the first time, in Palo Alto, California.
December 11, 1935:
Seven Associated Movements for violin and piano by Henry Cowell (38) is performed for the first time, in Midtown Community Center, New York. Also premiered is Cowell’s Mosaic Quartet, later called String Quartet no.3.
February 24, 1936:
Works for piano are performed for the first time, at a concert of educational music by contemporary composers at the City College of New York: Two Children’s Pieces by Aaron Copland (35) and The Harper Minstrel Sings and The Irishman Dances, both by Henry Cowell (38).
February 28, 1936:
Henry Cowell’s (38) dance music Salutation, to a scenario by Holm, is performed for the first time, in Millbrook, New York.
May 21, 1936:
A local official in Menlo Park, California accuses Henry Cowell (39) of performing oral sex on a 17-year-old young man, a felony in California. The crime is oral sex, not the sex or age of the participants.
May 22, 1936:
01:00 Henry Cowell (39) is arrested at his home in Menlo Park, California for performing oral sex on at least one teenaged boy. He is detained in the San Mateo County Jail in Redwood City.
May 25, 1936:
Highly inaccurate and exaggerated stories of the charges against Henry Cowell (39) appear on the front page of the San Francisco Examiner.
May 26, 1936:
After his arrest on sexual offenses, Henry Cowell (39) writes to Stanford University offering his resignation.
June 2, 1936:
Stanford University accepts the resignation of Henry Cowell (39).
June 6, 1936:
The San Francisco weekly Newsletter and Wasp call for the death of Henry Cowell (39). “As gangrenous a character as the world has ever produced; a parasite of a fimetarious nature; a slimy snake in man’s clothing, is the moron, Henry Dixon Cowell.” (Sachs, 278)
July 6, 1936:
In superior court in Redwood City, California, Henry Cowell (39) is sentenced to one to fifteen years in San Quentin penitentiary. At the end of one year, a fixed sentence will be determined by the Board of Prison Terms and Paroles.
July 8, 1936:
Henry Cowell (39) is transferred from the Redwood City Jail to San Quentin penitentiary.
July 12, 1936:
Harmony Ives writes to Charlotte Ruggles about Henry Cowell (39). “…I told Charlie (62) & he & I feel just as you do. A thing more abhorrent to Charlie’s nature couldn’t be found…He will never willingly see Henry again—he can’t —he doesn’t want to hear of the thing—The shock used him up & he hasn’t had a long breath since I told him but he will get used to it…He said characteristically ‘I thought he was a man & he’s nothing by a g—da—sap!” (Sachs, 300-301)
April 9, 1937:
Martha Graham visits Henry Cowell (40) in San Quentin to ask him to write a sarabande for a dance she is planning about the Spanish Civil War. To show him what she wants, she dances around the visitors’ room to the amazement of guards, prisoners, and visitors. Cowell takes notes. See 30 July 1937.
May 18, 1937:
Three Ostinati with Chorales for oboe and piano by Henry Cowell (40) is performed for the first time, at Bennington College, Vermont.
June 5, 1937:
In San Quentin Penitentiary, Henry Cowell (40) is transferred from work at the prison jute mill to the Education Department. He will teach various kinds of music classes to inmates.
July 30, 1937:
Henry Cowell’s (40) dance music Sarabande, to a scenario by Graham, is performed for the first time, in Bennington, Vermont.
August 13, 1937:
The California Parole Board sets Henry Cowell’s (40) sentence at the maximum 15 years.
December 19, 1937:
Deep Song, dance music by Henry Cowell (40) to a scenario by Graham, is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 14, 1938:
Hark! From the Pit a Fearsome Sound for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (41) is performed for the first time, in the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles.
May 6, 1938:
Celtic Set for concert band by Henry Cowell (41) is performed completely for the first time, in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.
June 18, 1938:
The California Parole Board denies Henry Cowell’s (41) request for a reconsideration of his sentence.
December 4, 1938:
The Coming of Light for women’s chorus by Henry Cowell (41) to words of Hagemeyer is performed for the first time, at Bennington College, Vermont.
March 24, 1939:
Imaginary Landscape no.1 by John Cage (26) for muted piano, cymbal, and two variable speed turntables, is performed for the first time, in Seattle to accompany Jean Cocteau’s Marriage at the Eiffel Tower. The work is produced in two studios by the composer, his wife Xenia, Doris Dennison, and Margaret Janson, and broadcast to the theatre. It is, perhaps, the first electroacoustic composition. Also premiered is Henry Cowell’s (42) music for the same play.
May 19, 1939:
Four works for percussion are performed for the first time at the Cornish School in Seattle conducted by John Cage (26): Pulse and Return, both by Henry Cowell (42) and Lou Harrison’s (22) Fifth Simfony and Counterdance in the Spring.
February 11, 1940:
Toccanta for soprano, flute, cello, and piano by Henry Cowell (42) is performed for the first time, in the New School Auditorium, New York.
February 11, 1940:
Rhythmicana for piano by Henry Cowell (42) is performed for the first time, at New York Public Library.
February 28, 1940:
Old American Country Set for orchestra by Henry Cowell (42) is performed for the first time, in Indianapolis.
April 1, 1940:
Symphonic Set op.17 by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in Chicago.
May 3, 1940:
Shoonthree for band by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in Mansfield, Pennsylvania.
May 6, 1940:
Henry Cowell (43) is granted a parole from the California state parole board to take effect 8 June. He will not be released until 26 June.
July 26, 1940:
Pastoral and Fiddler’s Delight for orchestra by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in New York.
July 27, 1940:
Henry Cowell’s (43) dance music Fanfare: Variations to a scenario by Van Tuyl is performed for the first time, at Mills College in Oakland, California. Also premiered is Cowell’s Chaconne for piano.
August 17, 1940:
Part I of Ancient Desert Drone for orchestra by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in Saugerties, New York. See 12 January 1941.
November 24, 1940:
Four Irish Tales for piano and orchestra by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of radio station WNYC, originating in New York the composer at the keyboard.
December 14, 1940:
Incidental music to Shakespeare’s play King Lear by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, at the New School in New York.
December 19, 1940:
Purdue for orchestra by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in West Lafayette, Indiana.
January 7, 1941:
Music Lovers’ Set of Five for flute, violin, cello, and piano by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in the Community Playhouse, San Francisco.
January 9, 1941:
Reel no.2 for small orchestra by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in Minneapolis.
January 12, 1941:
Ancient Desert Drone for orchestra by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, in South Bend, Indiana.
March 9, 1941:
Symphony no.2 “Anthropos” by Henry Cowell (43) is performed for the first time, at the Brooklyn Museum, conducted by the composer.
March 17, 1941:
Hanya Holm Music, dance music by Henry Cowell (44) to a scenario by Holm, is performed for the first time, in New York.
May 11, 1941:
Tales of the Countryside for piano and orchestra by Henry Cowell (44) is performed for the first time, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the composer at the keyboard.
July 3, 1941:
The San Quentin Prison Board restores the civil rights of Henry Cowell (44). This allows him to enter government service.
July 31, 1941:
Henry Cowell’s (44) Shipshape Overture for band is performed for the first time, in State College, Pennsylvania. Also premiered is Cowell’s Four Assorted Movements for flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn, and piano (ad lib).
October 2, 1941:
Movements 2, 5, and 6 of American Melting Pot for chamber orchestra by Henry Cowell (44) are performed for the first time, in Philadelphia. See 3 May 1943.
January 11, 1942:
Henry Cowell’s (44) Suite for piano and string orchestra is performed for the first time, in Boston.
January 25, 1942:
Henry Cowell’s (44) Little Concerto for piano and band, an arrangement of movements 3-5 of the composer’s Suite for Piano and Strings, is performed for the first time, in West Point, New York the composer at the keyboard.
April 23, 1942:
Woman in War, dance music by Henry Cowell (45) to a scenario by Chen, is performed for the first time, in New York.
July 3, 1942:
Festive Occasion for band by Henry Cowell (45) is performed for the first time, in Central Park, New York, the composer conducting.
July 24, 1942:
The first movement of Henry Cowell’s (45) Symphony no.3 “Gaelic Symphony” for band and strings is performed for the first time, in West Saugerties, New York.
August 20, 1942:
Banners: A Choreographic Chorale in Two Scenes by Henry Cowell (45) to words of Whitman is performed for the first time, in Lee, Massachusetts.
October 30, 1942:
The fourth of 18 patriotic fanfares for brass and percussion commissioned by Eugene Goossens and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, A Fanfare to the Forces of Our Latin-American Allies by Henry Cowell (45), is performed for the first time, in Cincinnati.
November 1, 1942:
Processional for organ by Henry Cowell (45) is performed for the first time, in the National Cathedral, Washington.
November 12, 1942:
Fearful that Governor-elect Earl Warren will keep his campaign promise to deny parole to sex offenders, Henry Cowell (45) applies to California Governor Culbert Olson for a pardon.
December 28, 1942:
Governor Culbert Olson of California pardons Henry Cowell (45), now on parole, so that he may continue his war work. He is part of efforts to create greater cultural ties between the United States and Latin American countries to counter German efforts to separate them.
February 7, 1943:
John Cage (30) and his music gain national attention when he directs a program of percussion music at the Museum of Modern Art, New York in a League of Composers concert. Included is the premiere of Amores for two prepared pianos and two percussion trios. Also premiered is Ostinato pianissimo by Henry Cowell (45) conducted by Cage.
April 8, 1943:
The Morning Cometh for chorus by Henry Cowell (46) to words of Furness is performed for the first time, at St. Peter, Minnesota.
May 3, 1943:
The first and fourth movements of American Melting Pot for chamber orchestra by Henry Cowell (46) are performed for the first time, in Carnegie Chamber Hall, New York. See 2 October 1941.
June 23, 1943:
Henry Cowell (46) is inducted into the Office of War Information
August 27, 1943:
Henry Cowell’s (46) dance music Chinese Partisan Fighter, to a scenario by Chen, is performed for the first time, in Redlands, California.
October 28, 1943:
Fire and Ice for male chorus and band by Henry Cowell (46) to words of Frost is performed for the first time, in Constitution Hall, Washington.
November 3, 1943:
How Old is Song? arranged for violin and piano by the composer Henry Cowell (46) is performed for the first time, in Colorado Springs. See 9 March 1931.
January 23, 1944:
United Music for orchestra by Henry Cowell (46) is performed for the first time, in Orchestra Hall, Detroit.
March 23, 1944:
Henry Cowell’s (47) Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.2 for string orchestra is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of station WEAF, New York.
June 14, 1944:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.1 for symphonic band by Henry Cowell (47) is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 19, 1945:
Henry Cowell (47) appears on television for the first time, as composer/performer in Schenectady, New York.
March 22, 1946:
Henry Cowell’s (49) Hymn for strings is performed for the first time, in Denton Texas, directed by the composer.
May 27, 1946:
Henry Cowell’s (49) Big Sing for orchestra is performed for the first time, in Fresno, California.
August 11, 1946:
Henry Cowell’s (49) Festival Overture for two orchestras is performed for the first time, in Interlochen, Michigan.
September 15, 1946:
Second String Quartet by Charles Ives (71) is performed for the first time, in Saratoga Springs, New York 33 years after it was written. In the same concert, Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.5 arranged for string orchestra by Henry Cowell (49) is performed for the first time. See 14 April 1946.
October 21, 1946:
The Donkey for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (49) to words of Chesterton is performed for the first time, at Kutztown State Teachers’ College, Pennsylvania.
September 11, 1947:
Daybreak for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (50) to words of Blake is performed for the first time, at the San Francisco Museum of Art.
October 24, 1947:
Symphony no.4 “Short Symphony” by Henry Cowell (50) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston.
November 10, 1947:
Sonata for violin and piano by Henry Cowell (50) is performed for the first time, in Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Los Angeles the composer at the piano.
December 10, 1947:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.7 for viola and piano by Henry Cowell (50) is performed for the first time, in Kimball Hall, Chicago.
February 21, 1948:
Suite for woodwind quartet by Henry Cowell (50) is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University, New York.
May 11, 1948:
Hymn, Chorale and Fuguing Tune no.8 for string quartet by Henry Cowell (51) is performed for the first time, at Florida State University.
May 21, 1948:
First Suite for Strings by Lou Harrison (31) is performed for the first time, at the National Institute of Arts and Letters as part of a ceremony awarding creative grants to Harrison, Henry Cowell (51), and Vincent Persichetti (33).
July 19, 1948:
Deirdre of the Shadows for piano by Henry Cowell (51) is performed for the first time, at Colorado State College in Greeley.
January 5, 1949:
Henry Cowell’s (51) Symphony no.5 is performed for the first time, in Constitution Hall, Washington.
January 12, 1949:
American Pipers for orchestra by Henry Cowell (51) is performed for the first time, in New Orleans.
May 5, 1949:
Ballad of the Two Mothers for chorus by Henry Cowell (52) to words of Harald is performed for the first time, in Redlands, California.
May 19, 1949:
Grinnell Fanfare for brass and organ by Henry Cowell (52) is performed for the first time, in Herrick Chapel, Grinnell College, Iowa.
July 21, 1949:
A Curse and a Blessing for symphonic band by Henry Cowell (52) is performed for the first time, in New York.
November 2, 1949:
Madman’s Wisp for piano by Henry Cowell (52) is performed for the first time, at Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota.
December 1, 1950:
Henry Cowell’s (53) dance music A Full Moon in March to a story by Lippincott and Yeats is performed for the first time, in Fargo, North Dakota.
December 13, 1950:
Improvisation for piano by Henry Cowell (53) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
February 1, 1951:
Henry Cowell (53) is elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
April 10, 1951:
Lilting Fancy for chorus by Henry Cowell (54) is performed for the first time, in Saugerties, New York.
April 14, 1951:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.3 for orchestra by Henry Cowell (54) is performed for the first time, in Los Angeles.
October 29, 1951:
Set of Two for violin and piano strings by Henry Cowell (54) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
November 10, 1951:
Evensong at Brookside: A Father’s Lullaby for male chorus by Henry Cowell (54) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
April 27, 1952:
Flirtatious Jig for violin and string orchestra by Henry Cowell (55) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of radio station WCBS, New York.
May 5, 1952:
Four Trumpets for Alan for four trumpets and muted piano by Henry Cowell (55) is performed for the first time, in Cherry Lane Theatre, New York.
May 30, 1952:
Three new works commissioned for the sesquicentennial of the United States Military Academy Band are performed at West Point, New York: Fantasie (Enigma Variations) on a Theme by Ferdinand Kücken by Henry Cowell (55) (world premiere), West Point Suite by Darius Milhaud (59), and Symphony in One Movement by Roy Harris (54) (world premiere). See 5 January 1952.
November 25, 1952:
Symphony no.7 by Henry Cowell (55) is performed for the first time, at Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore.
December 21, 1952:
Set of Five for violin, piano and percussion by Henry Cowell (55) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
January 25, 1953:
The Golden Harp for boys chorus by Henry Cowell (55) is performed for the first time, at Ames Methodist Church, Baltimore.
March 1, 1953:
Symphony no.8 for alto, chorus, and orchestra by Henry Cowell (55) is performed for the first time, in Wilmington, Ohio.
November 16, 1953:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.9 for cello and piano by Henry Cowell (56) is performed for the first time, at the New School, New York. It is part of a major retrospective concert celebrating Cowell’s 25 years at the New School.
December 6, 1953:
Henry Cowell’s (56) Rondo for Orchestra is performed for the first time, in Indianapolis.
March 14, 1954:
Symphony no.9 by Henry Cowell (57) is performed for the first time, in West High School Auditorium, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
May 29, 1954:
Henry Cowell’s (57) Symphony no.11 “Seven Rituals of Music” is performed for the first time, in Columbia Auditorium, Louisville.
June 18, 1954:
Singing Band for concert band by Henry Cowell (57) is performed for the first time, in Central Park, New York conducted by the composer.
November 20, 1954:
The Little Black Boy for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (57) to words of Blake is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
December 18, 1954:
Henry Cowell’s (57) dance music Changing Woman, to a scenario by Erdman, is performed for the first time, in San Francisco.
May 30, 1955:
Henry Cowell (58) departs the US for Europe on a USIS-sponsored tour.
July 4, 1955:
Henry Cowell (58) arrives in New York after five weeks on a USIS-sponsored tour to Europe.
September 10, 1955:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.10 for oboe and strings by Henry Cowell (58) is performed for the first time, in Santa Barbara, California.
November 14, 1955:
Symphony no.6 by Henry Cowell (58) is performed for the first time, in Houston.
February 20, 1956:
New works are performed for the first time at the Juilliard School, New York: Spring Comes Singing for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (58) to words of Hagemeyer, Piano Sonata no.10 op.67 by Vincent Persichetti (40), and Three Children’s Songs for Grownups (later Childhood Fables for Grownups ) for voice and piano by Irving Fine (41) to words of Norman.
February 22, 1956:
Calcium Light Night from Set no.1 for chamber orchestra by Charles Ives (†1), edited and arranged by Henry Cowell (58), is performed for the first time, in Sprague Memorial Hall, Yale University. Also premiered are Ives’ songs No More to words of Whittier, There is a certain garden, Yellow Leaves to words of Bellamann, and A Sea Dirge to words of Shakespeare.
February 29, 1956:
...if He please for chorus, children’s chorus, and orchestra by Henry Cowell (58) to words of Taylor, is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
March 12, 1956:
Septet for madrigal singers, clarinet, and keyboard by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, in the Baltimore Museum of Art.
April 16, 1956:
Dalton Suite for school orchestra by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, in New York.
July 7, 1956:
Lines from the Dead Sea Scrolls for male chorus and orchestra by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts.
July 24, 1956:
Ground and Fuguing Tune for organ by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, in St. Paul’s Chapel, Columbia University.
August 19, 1956:
Henry Cowell (59) arrives at Shannon Airport in Ireland to begin a world tour arranged by the US State Department and USIS.
October 5, 1956:
String Quartet no.5 by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, in Cleveland.
November 4, 1956:
After a week stuck in Beirut after the closure of the airport, Henry Cowell (59) arrives in Istanbul and joins his wife. His planned visit to Egypt, Syria, and Jordan is cancelled due to the ongoing events there.
November 23, 1956:
Henry Cowell’s (59) Variations for Orchestra is performed for the first time, in Cincinnati.
November 27, 1956:
Ballad for strings by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
February 16, 1957:
On a world tour, Henry Cowell (59) suffers a small stroke in Karachi and is hospitalized.
February 24, 1957:
Symphony no.10 by Henry Cowell (59) is performed for the first time, in the Museum of Natural History, New York.
September 3, 1957:
Henry Cowell’s (60) Music for Orchestra is performed for the first time, in the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, Athens.
September 17, 1957:
Persian Set for chamber orchestra by Henry Cowell (60) is performed for the first time, in Gulestan Palace, Teheran.
March 26, 1958:
Henry Cowell’s (61) orchestral work Ongaku is performed for the first time, in Columbia Auditorium, Louisville.
December 10, 1958:
Homage to Iran for violin and piano by Henry Cowell (61) is performed for the first time, in Lisner Auditorium, Washington.
March 3, 1959:
Symphony no.13 “Madras Symphony” by Henry Cowell (61) is performed for the first time, in Madras.
April 12, 1959:
Ensemble for string orchestra by Henry Cowell (62) is performed for the first time, in New School Auditorium, New York.
November 14, 1959:
Antiphony for Divided Orchestra by Henry Cowell (62) is performed for the first time, in Temple B’nai Jehuda, Kansas City, Missouri.
November 21, 1959:
Iridescent Rondo in Old Modes for accordion by Henry Cowell (62) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
December 13, 1959:
Mela/Fair for orchestra by Henry Cowell (62) is performed for the first time, in a radio broadcast from New Delhi.
March 25, 1960:
Four Declamations with Return for violin and piano by Henry Cowell (63) is performed publicly for the first time, at the New School, New York. Also premiered is Durations 2 for cello and piano by Morton Feldman (34).
March 28, 1960:
Symphony no.12 by Henry Cowell (63) is performed for the first time, in Houston.
September 3, 1960:
High Let the Song Ascend for voice, flute, and piano by Henry Cowell (63) is performed for the first time, in Milton, New York.
November 13, 1960:
Edson Hymns and Fuguing Tunes for chorus and orchestra by Henry Cowell (63) are performed for the first time, in Poughkeepsie, New York.
January 7, 1961:
Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra by Henry Cowell (63) is performed for the first time, in Temple B’nai Jehuda, Kansas City, Missouri.
January 26, 1961:
Set of Four for harpsichord or piano by Henry Cowell (63) is performed for the first time, in Hertz Hall of the University of California at Berkeley.
February 5, 1961:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.13 for trombone and piano by Henry Cowell (63) is performed for the first time, in Kaufmann Concert Hall of the YM-YWHA in New York. Also premiered is Infanta Marina op.83 for viola and piano by Vincent Persichetti (45).
February 10, 1961:
Variations on Thirds for Two Violas and String Orchestra by Henry Cowell (63) is performed for the first time, in New York.
April 27, 1961:
Two new works by American composers are performed for the first time, at Howard University in Washington under the baton of Howard Hanson (64): Symphony no.14 by Henry Cowell (64) and Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun for bass and orchestra by Roy Harris (63) to words of Whitman.
July 21, 1961:
Sax Quartet by Henry Cowell (64) is performed for the first time, at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York.
July 31, 1961:
Music I Heard for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (64) to words of Aiken, is performed for the first time, at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York.
August 14, 1961:
A Scherzo for alto saxophone and piano by Henry Cowell (64) is performed for the first time, in Weston, Vermont. See 10 January 1962.
October 7, 1961:
Symphony no.15 “Thesis” by Henry Cowell (64) is performed for the first time, in Murray, Kentucky.
October 13, 1961:
Chiaroscuro for orchestra by Henry Cowell (64) is performed for the first time, in Guatemala City.
October 21, 1961:
Duo concertante for flute, harp, and orchestra by Henry Cowell (64) is performed for the first time, in Memorial Hall, Springfield, Ohio.
November 13, 1961:
Pablo Casals gives a recital at the White House before President and Mrs. Kennedy and 200 invited guests. Among those attending are the elite of the musical culture of the United States: Walter Piston (67), Howard Hanson (65), Virgil Thomson (64), Roger Sessions (64), Henry Cowell (64), Roy Harris (63), Aaron Copland (60), Elliott Carter (52), Samuel Barber (51), William Schuman (51), Alan Hovhaness (50), Gian Carlo Menotti (50), Norman Dello Joio (48), Leonard Bernstein (43), Eugene Ormandy, and Leopold Stokowski. The concert is recorded and will be televised. Bernstein will recall “I’ve never seen so many happy artists in my life.”
December 3, 1961:
Two songs for voice and piano by Henry Cowell (64) to words of Colum are performed for the first time, in the Newark Museum: I Heard in the Night and Night Fliers.
January 10, 1962:
Air and Scherzo for alto saxophone and piano by Henry Cowell (64) is performed completely for the first time, at Southwestern Louisiana University in Lafayette. See 14 August 1961.
February 13, 1962:
Henry Cowell (64) is elected Vice-President of the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
May 11, 1962:
Triple Rondo for flute and harp by Henry Cowell (65) is performed for the first time, at the New School, New York.
May 27, 1962:
Henry Cowell (65) is awarded the Henry Hadley Medal by the National Association of American Composers and Conductors.
August 20, 1962:
Supplication: Processional for organ, two trumpets, two trombones, and unison chorus by Henry Cowell (65) is performed for the first time, in the Drake Hotel, Chicago.
September 23, 1962:
Connotations for orchestra by Aaron Copland (61) is performed for the first time, at the inauguration of Lincoln Center, directed by Leonard Bernstein (44). The concert is televised by the CBS television network. Among the attenders are composers Walter Piston (68), Roger Sessions (65), Henry Cowell (65), Roy Harris (64), Samuel Barber (52) and the Center’s director, William Schuman (52), along with Rudolf Bing, Isaac Stern, Secretary-General of the United Nations U Thant, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, UN Ambassador Adlai Stevenson, Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and New York Mayor Robert Wagner.
October 20, 1962:
Trio for flute, violin, and harp by Henry Cowell (65) is performed for the first time, at Michigan State University, Oakland.
December 15, 1962:
New works for organ are performed for the first time, at the dedication of the Aeolian-Skinner organ in Philharmonic Hall (Avery Fisher Hall), New York: Pange lingua by Virgil Thomson (66), Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.14 for organ by Henry Cowell (65), and Shimah B’Koli op.89 for organ by Vincent Persichetti (47).
January 4, 1963:
Percussion Concerto by Henry Cowell (65) is performed for the first time, in Pittsburgh.
February 5, 1963:
The first movement of the Symphony no.17 by Henry Cowell (65) is performed for the first time, under the title Lancaster Overture, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
March 21, 1963:
Symphony no.16 “Icelandic” by Henry Cowell (66) is performed for the first time, at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik.
April 1, 1963:
While in Berlin on a concert tour, Henry Cowell (66) suffers a reaction to medication, originally thought to be a heart attack. It will be diagnosed as a reaction to his digitalis medication. He will spend the next week recuperating and has to cancel several speaking engagements.
July 26, 1963:
At the Eastman School of Music, Henry Cowell (66) suffers a stroke and is temporarily unable to speak. He will gradually recover.
September 1, 1963:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.15-B for violin and cello by Henry Cowell (66) is performed for the first time, in Maverick Concert Hall, Woodstock, New York.
January 12, 1964:
Concerto grosso for flute, oboe, clarinet, cello, harp, and string orchestra by Henry Cowell (66), is performed for the first time, in Miami Beach, Florida.
February 12, 1964:
Quartet Euphometric for string quartet by Henry Cowell (66) is performed for the first time, in Philharmonic Hall, New York, 45 years after it was composed.
May 1, 1964:
The Creator, an oratorio by Henry Cowell (67) to words of Derzhavin, is performed for the first time, in De Land, Florida.
July 10, 1964:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.18 for soprano saxophone and contrabass saxophone by Henry Cowell (67) is performed for the first time, at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York.
November 29, 1964:
Simultaneous Mosaics for violin, clarinet, cello, percussion, and piano by Henry Cowell (67) is performed for the first time, at the Albright-Knox art gallery, Buffalo directed by Lukas Foss (42).
December 13, 1964:
Concerto no.1 for koto and orchestra by Henry Cowell (67) is performed for the first time, at the Philadelphia Academy of Music.
May 8, 1965:
Concerto no.2 for koto and orchestra in the Form of a Symphony by Henry Cowell (68) is performed for the first time, at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
June 2, 1965:
On his way home in Shady, New York, Henry Cowell (68) suffers a stroke. He will be hospitalized tomorrow.
August 8, 1965:
Trio in Nine Short Movements for violin, cello, and piano by Henry Cowell (68) is performed for the first time, in Maverick Concert Hall, Woodstock, New York.
September 22, 1965:
Ultima actio for chorus by Henry Cowell (68) to words of de Diego (tr. Machlis) is performed for the first time, in Philharmonic (Avery Fisher) Hall, New York. Cowell, suffering from cancer and the effects of a stroke, is wheeled to an accessible point on the balcony.
October 18, 1965:
Symphony no.19 by Henry Cowell (68) is performed for the first time, in War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee.
December 8, 1965:
Henry Cowell (68) learns that he has been awarded the Thorne Music Fund Honorary Award. A doctor gives him two to three more days to live.
December 10, 1965:
Henry Dixon Cowell dies of cancer at his home in Shady, New York, USA, aged 68 years, eight months, and 29 days. The only ones present are his wife, Sidney, and two cats. The ashes of his mortal remains will be scattered in an undisclosed location.
October 6, 1966:
Hymn and Fuguing Tune no.16 for orchestra by Henry Cowell (†0) is performed for the first time, in New York under the baton of Leonard Bernstein (48).
June 20, 1968:
Twighlight in Texas for orchestra by Henry Cowell (†2) is performed for the first time, in New York.
November 16, 1968:
Carol for orchestra by Henry Cowell (†2) is performed for the first time, in the Municipal Theatre, Tulsa.
December 1, 1968:
Overture for Large Orchestra by Henry Cowell (†2) is performed for the first time, in Santa Rosa, California.
March 1, 1969:
Set of Two for violin and harpsichord by Henry Cowell (†3) is performed for the first time, at Converse College, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
December 3, 1971:
Concerto for rhythmicon and orchestra by Henry Cowell (†5) is performed for the first time, in Palo Alto, California, by a computer and orchestra, forty years after it was composed.
May 18, 1978:
Quartet Romantic for two flutes, violin and viola by Henry Cowell (†12) is performed publicly for the first time in its original setting, in Alice Tully Hall, New York, 61 years after it was composed.
April 4, 1986:
Concerto for harmonica and orchestra by Henry Cowell (†20) is performed for the first time, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, conducted by Lukas Foss (63), 24 years after it was composed.
March 16, 1997:
Kofi Annan pays tribute to Henry Cowell (†31) in a special address for his “contributions to intercultural music.”