Russell, (George) Alexander

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Russell, (George) Alexander

Russell, (George) Alexander , American organist and composer; b. Franklin, Tenn., Oct. 2, 1880; d. Dewitt, N.Y, Nov. 24, 1953. The son of a Presbyterian minister, he studied at home; his mother, Felicia Putnam Russell (a direct descendant of General Israel Putnam of Revolution fame), taught him piano. The family moved to Tex., where he studied academic subjects. He then entered the Coll. of Fine Arts of Syracuse Univ., studying organ with George A. Parker and composition with William Berwald, where he took his B.Mus. in 1901; subsequently studied in Europe with Leopold Godowsky and Harold Bauer (piano), and with Widor (organ). Returning to America in 1908, he toured as accompanist to various artists. From 1910 to 1952, was associated with the Auditorium concerts at Wanamaker’s department store in N.Y.; was also director of music at Princeton Univ. (1917–35). He wrote a number of organ works, piano pieces, songs, and partsongs.

Bibliography

J. Howard, Studies of Contemporary American Composers: A. R.(N.Y., 1925).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

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Russell, (George) Alexander

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