Raver, Leonard

views updated

Raver, Leonard

Raver, Leonard , American organist and teacher; b. Wenatchee, Wash., Jan. 8, 1927; d. N.Y., Jan. 29, 1992. He studied organ and piano in Tacoma, where he was active as a church organist. After moving to N.Y., he pursued a career as a recitalist and a teacher. His appearances as a soloist with the N.Y. Phil, led to his appointment as its organist in 1977, which position he retained until his death. While he displayed a fine command of the Baroque repertoire, he had a special flair for contemporary Works. Among the composers he championed were Diamond, Persichetti, Rorem, and Read.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

More From encyclopedia.com