Peter J. Wilhousky (Ukrainian: Пітер (Петро) Вільговський; 13 July 1902 – 4 January 1978) was an American composer, music educator, and choral conductor of Rusyn descent.[1][2][3] During his childhood he was part of New York's Russian Cathedral Boys Choir and gave a performance at the White House to President Woodrow Wilson.[4] He was featured on several broadcasts of classical music with Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra, including the historic 1947 broadcast of Verdi's opera Otello.
Peter J. Wilhousky | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 July 1902 |
| Died | 4 January 1978 (aged 75) |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation(s) | Director of music in New York City schools and conductor of the New York All-City High School Chorus |
| Known for | English language setting of "Carol of the Bells"; arrangement of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" |
In 1936, Wilhousky wrote a popular English version of the Ukrainian song "Shchedryk" by Mykola Leontovych and called it "Carol of the Bells". Wilhousky's 1944 choral arrangement of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959 with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Grammy-winning performance, and has become "arguably the most well-known choral arrangement of a hymn or anthem in the United States."[5][6][7]
Former students edit
As a choral director in New York City, he influenced the future careers of musician Julius La Rosa and scientist Stephen Jay Gould.[8]
Personal life edit
Wilhousky passed away in 1978 on January 4th at the age of 75, from cancer at Norwalk Hospital. Wilhousky Street in Manville, New Jersey is named after him.[9]
References edit
- ^ Tomkiw, Lydia. "Toll of the Bells The forgotten history of nationalism, oppression, and murder behind a Christmas classic". Slate.
- ^ Gressa, Greg. "Peter J. Wilhousky". Carpatho-Rusyn Knowledge Base. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
- ^ Honchock, Sadie. "PETER WILHOUSKY, A RELATIVE AND RUSYN COMPOSER". Rusyn Society. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
- ^ Spurr, Sean (26 July 2011). "Carol of the Bells". Christmas Carols. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 26 October 1959. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ^ Lloyd, R. Scott (11 March 2006). "Choral directors are feted by choir: Association members join in singing choir's signature tune". Deseret News. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
- ^ Battle Hymn of the Republic. The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Retrieved 2 December 2022 – via YouTube (official channel).
- ^ Gould, Stephen Jay (6 November 1988). "Strike Up the Choir!". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
- ^ https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/06/archives/peter-wilhousky-director-of-music-for-public-schools.html
External links edit
- Peter J. Wilhousky (1902–1978), Prominent Carpatho-Rusyns
- Wilhousky biography