George Whitefield Chadwick (Nov. 13, 1854 - April 4, 1931) was an American composer, teacher, conductor, and organist. Along with composers Amy Beach, Arthur Foote, Edward MacDowell, John Knowles Paine and Horatio Parker, he was a part of the Second New England School, more commonly known as the Boston Six. Chadwick was taught his first music lessons, on organ, by his older brother. He ended up dropping out of high school in 1871, and started working with his father, in his insurance business. He travelled around getting to hear concerts and gained a deep appreciation for the arts.

A year later, Chadwick entered the New England Conservatory as a "special" student, so he wouldn't have to deal with the stringent entrance and degree requirements. He used his time there well, studying theory, piano. and organ. Then in 1876 he accepted a position as a teacher and administrator at Olivet College, where he founded the Music Teachers National Association. Chadwick worried about limitations on his career, and headed to Germany for further studies in  Leipzig at the Royal Conservatory of Music. His German contemporaries thought well of him, and after two years in Leipzig, he travelled around Europe for a while, and then went back to study music some more. He returned to Boston in 1880, and started a teaching studio, along with conducting and organ work. In 1897 he was appointed Director of the New England Conservatory, which he helped to solidify as a reputable school of music.

As a composer, Chadwick wrote for nearly every genre. Tam O'Shanter , written in 1915, is known as a symphonic ballad, or symphonic poem, and is based off a Robert Burns poem of the same title. In the poem, Tam O'Shanter is at a tavern drinking, though his wife didn't want him to. He eventually leaves on a grey mare named Maggie, as a storm is coming in and walks around a bit.  During his walk he comes across a magical gathering of sorts, of witches, supernatural creatures, and the devil as well. They catch him spying on their gathering and then proceed to chase him. The work opens up, starting at the storm part of the poem, with vigorous triplets in the strings, and then Tam's jaunty little theme follows, as he leaves and goes on his walk. He each of the major points of the poem have a theme, and Chadwick isn't afraid to use bold orchestral colors in them. It's light hearted and fun, and takes the listeners on a fun adventure!

Here is a recording of this fun work for you to enjoy!

Detroit Symphony Orchestra