Becker, Gustave Louis

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Becker, Gustave Louis

Becker, Gustave Louis, American pianist, teacher, and composer; b. Richmond, Tex., May 22, 1861; d. Epsom, Surrey, England, Feb. 25, 1959. He began piano studies at a youthful age and made his public debut at the age of 11. Following training with C. Sternberg in N.Y. and at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik (1888–91) with Moszkowski and X. Scharwenka, he was active as a pianist and teacher. He composed many vocal and piano pieces, and two suites for String Quartet. He also wrote pedagogical works.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire