Charles Ives

About

Modernist composer who was an American original, pioneering eclectic and experimental music, polytonality, and tone clusters. Some historians credit him with composing the 20th century's first radical musical work "Central Park in the Dark" in 1906.

Before Fame

He went to Yale University to continue his musical schooling, where he was educated by the famed Horatio Parker.

Trivia

His experimental music fused American church music with European art music, along with other influences.

Family Life

His father, George Ives, served as a U.S. Army bandleader during the American Civil War. He married Harmony Twitchell in 1908.

Associated With

He composed a song for William McKinley's 1896 presidential campaign.