Background
Josten, Werner Eric was born on June 12, 1885 in Elberfeld, Germany. Son of Wilhelm F. and Selma (Bergmann) Josten.
Josten, Werner Eric was born on June 12, 1885 in Elberfeld, Germany. Son of Wilhelm F. and Selma (Bergmann) Josten.
He studied in Munich with Rudolf Siegel and in Geneva with Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, and emigrated to the United States in 1920 or 1921.
He became a naturalized citizen and taught at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts from 1923 to 1949, where his notable students included Audrey Kooper Hammann. The Werner Josten Performing Arts Library at Smith College is named for him. He is best known for his symphonic poem Jungle (1928), which is inspired by African music
He also directed the first staged performance of Orfeo in the United States, on May 11, 1929.
Werner Josten audio samples.
Member League Composers (composers committee), A.S.C.A.P., Society Publication American Music (director), National Association American Composers and Conductors. Club: Bohemians (New York City). Compositions include choral and orchestral works, ballets, chamber music, songs, among which are Concerto Sacro I and II (played by Boston and Philadelphia orchestras), motet Crucifixion (Schola Cantorum), Ode for Saint Cecilia’s Day (Worchester Festival), Symphony in F (Boston Orchestra), Symphony for Strings (Saratoga Music Festival), Jungle (Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia orchestras), ballet Joseph and his Brethren (Juilliard school and Philadelphia Orchestra).
Married Margaret B. Fatman, December, 1920. Children: Peter West., Eileen South. Came to the United States, 1920, naturalized, 1933.