Ferde grofe biography definition

American composer, arranger, pianist and instrumentalist (1892–1972)

Ferdinand Rudolph von Grofé (March 27, 1892 – April 3, 1972), known as Ferde Grofé ()^[1] was an American composer, arranger, pianist, and instrumentalist.

He is best known for his 1931 five-movement symphonic poem, Grand Canyon Suite, and for orchestrating George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue for its 1924 premiere.

During the 1920s and 1930s, he went by the name Ferdie Grofé.^[2]

Early life

Grofé was born in New York City in 1892 to German immigrants.^[3][4] He came by his extensive musical interests naturally.

His family included several musicians.

Ferde grofe grand canyon suite

His father, Emil von Grofé, was a baritone who mainly performed in light opera. His mother, Elsa Johanna Bierlich von Grofé, was a professional cellist and a versatile music teacher who taught Ferde to play both the violin and the piano.

Elsa's father, Bernard Bierlich, was a cel