Edwin Franko Goldman is one of America's prominent band composers of the early 20th Century. He composed over 150 works, more notably his marches. He is known for founding the renowned Goldman Band of New York City and the American Bandmasters Association .
History
Goldman was born January 1, 1878, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of David Henry and Selma Franko Goldman . His father died when Goldman was only nine. Golman's mother was a professional pianist was was part of the famous Franko Family .
At the age of nine, Goldman studied cornet at the George Weigand at the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in New York. In 1892, after winning a scholarship, he attended the National Conservatory of Music , where he studied music theory and played trumpet in the Conservatory orchestra.
In 1893 he became a professional trumpet player, performing in such organizations as the Metropolitan Opera House orchestra and with his uncle Nahan Franko , a famous trumpet player.
Goldman soon founded the New York Military Band , which is known today as the famous Goldman Band. The band played in many summer band concerts throughout New York, especially The Green at the Columbia University and then The Mall in Central Park. They were also heard on many radio broadcasts.
Goldman was known for his very congenial personality and dedication to music. He was very close to city officials and earned three honorary doctorates. Eventually in 1929, he founded the American Bandmasters Association and served as Second Honorary Life President after John Philip Sousa.
Edwin Franko Goldman died at Montefiore Hospital in New York on February 21, 1956.
The Works of Goldman
In his lifetime, Goldman composed over 150 works, his most famous being:
- On the Mall
- The Chimes of Liberty
- Onward-Upward
- Bugles and Drum
- Children's March
- Illinois
- The Interlochen Bowl
He was also the composer of many cornet solos and other short works for piano and orchestra.
The Musicality of Goldman
Goldman's works are known for their pleasant and catchy tunes, as well as their fine trios and solos. He also encouraged audiences to whistle/hum along to his marches. This has become a tradition with his most famous march "On the Mall ".
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