James, Philip

views updated

James, Philip (b Jersey City, NJ, 1890; d Southampton, NY, 1975). Amer. composer and conductor. Cond. operettas of Victor Herbert 1919–22. Faculty of Mus. NY Univ. 1923 (head of dept. 1933–55). Founder-cond. New Jersey SO 1922–9, Bamberger Little Sym. 1929–36. Won NBC prize 1932 for satirical suite Station WGZBX. Works incl. ballet Judith (1927); ov. Bret Harte; 2 syms.; sym.-poems; choral works (incl. General William Booth Enters Into Heaven); chamber mus.