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About this Piece

A piano prodigy and the eldest son of Russian immigrants, Alfred Newman (1900-1970) was also the youngest conductor ever to appear on Broadway, serving as music director for the George White Scandals in 1920. He conducted shows by the Gershwins and Rodgers and Hart, among others, before moving to Hollywood in 1930. He first became music director for United Artists, and then served as head of the music department at 20th Century-Fox from 1940 to 1960. He made many appearances at the Hollywood Bowl and recorded with the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra. His film scores garnered nine Oscars and 45 nominations, including one for his rousing music for the 1962 pioneer epic, How the West Was Won.