Edward Macdowell Pioneer In American Music

Originally Aired: November 4, 1936 Cavalcade of America #55, "Edward Macdowell Pioneer In American Music," A sensitive twelve-year-old Edward McDowell faces the stern disapproval of his grandfather, a hard-fisted Quaker who dismisses musicians as parlor tricksters living a monkey's life. Despite his family's doubts about the respectability of a musical career, young Edward dreams of becoming a great composer who will write music like Beethoven or Brahms, but in an American voice. His determination leads him to Europe, where by age fourteen he wins a scholarship to the National Conservatory in Paris, becoming the first American so honored. As Edward matures into a talented pianist and composer, he earns the praise of Franz Liszt himself, who recognizes both his technical brilliance and emerging originality. His path crosses with Marion Nevins, a Connecticut girl studying abroad, who initially comes to him reluctantly for piano lessons. Their shared passion for music and Edward's vision of returning to America to elevate the status of musicians transforms their relationship from teacher and student into something deeper, leading to marriage and a partnership dedicated to proving that serious musicians deserve respect in their own country.