Background
Mcdonald, Harl was born on July 27, 1899 in near Boulder, Colorado, United States. Son of Willis Burr and Floy (Tafflemire) Mcdonald.
composer conductor musicologist pianist
Mcdonald, Harl was born on July 27, 1899 in near Boulder, Colorado, United States. Son of Willis Burr and Floy (Tafflemire) Mcdonald.
Student University of Redlands, 1917-1918. Bachelor of Music, University of Southern California, 1921. University of Leipzig, 1922, honorary Doctor of Music.
Doctor of Letters, Temple University, 1953.
Also studied in Berlin.
He was appointed a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania in 1927 and enjoyed other appointments at the University including the Director of the Music Department and Director of the University"s Choral Society and the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club. In addition to his administrative duties with the University, McDonald composed numerous musical works and served on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. His four symphonies are subtitled "The Santa Fe Trail" (#1 - 1933), "The Rhumba" (#2 - 1934), "Lamentations of Fu Hsuan" (#3 - 1935) and "Festival of the Workers" (#4 - 1935).
His other works include a concerto for two pianos, two piano trios, and choral music
His 1938 Lament for the Stolen, for women"s chorus and orchestra, was written in commemoration of the Lindbergh kidnapping.
Served in the United States Army, 1918. Member American Musicol. Society, Sigma Xi.; Clubs: Art Alliance (Philadelphia).
Married Eleanor Gosling, 1925. Children: Charlotte Burr, Frances Tabor.