Harl McDonald

Who was Harl McDonald?

Harl McDonald was an American composer, conductor, pianist and teacher. McDonald studied at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Redlands, and the Leipzig Conservatory. He was appointed a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania in 1927 and enjoyed other appointments at the University including the Director of the Music Department and Director of the University's Choral Society and the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club. In addition to his administrative duties with the University, McDonald composed numerous musical works and served on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association.

His four symphonies are subtitled "The Santa Fe Trail", "The Rhumba", "Lamentations of Fu Hsuan" and "Festival of the Workers". His other works include a concerto for two pianos, two piano trios, and choral music. His 1938 Lament for the Stolen, for women's chorus and orchestra, was written in commemoration of the Lindbergh kidnapping.