Alec Wilder was an American composer and songwriter known for his unique blend of jazz and classical music. The correct spelling of his name is /ˈælɪk ˈwaɪldər/. The first syllable of his first name is pronounced as "al" with a short "a" sound, like in the word "cat". The second syllable of his first name is pronounced as "ick", rhyming with "sick". The last name is pronounced with a long "i" sound in the first syllable and a short "u" sound in the second syllable, like in the word "puller".
Alec Wilder was an American composer, arranger, and musicologist, born on February 16, 1907, in Rochester, New York, and died on December 24, 1980. He is best known for his contributions to American popular music, especially his unique approach to composing and arranging songs.
Wilder had a distinctive musical style characterized by a blend of genres, including jazz, classical, and popular music. His compositions often featured rich harmonies, inventive melodies, and sophisticated arrangements. He was admired for his ability to create music that was both accessible and artistically profound, experimenting with different forms and structures to express a wide range of emotions.
In addition to his work as a composer, Wilder was also a respected musicologist, having written extensively about American music history and analyzed various musical forms. His book "American Popular Song: The Great Innovators, 1900-1950" is regarded as a seminal work in the field and provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of popular music in the United States.
Wilder's contributions to American music continue to be celebrated and influential. His innovative approach to composition and arrangement has inspired countless musicians and composers, and his works are still performed and recorded today. Alec Wilder is remembered as a remarkable figure in the world of American music, leaving a lasting impact on the genres he explored and the musicians he influenced.
The name Alec Wilder is not commonly associated with a distinct etymology. However, it is worth noting that Alec is typically considered a diminutive form of the name Alexander, which means defender of the people in Greek. Wilder, on the other hand, is primarily an English surname, derived from the Middle English word wilde or wild, implying someone who lived in a wild or uncultivated area. Therefore, the etymology of Alec Wilder would be a combination of the origins of the names Alec and Wilder.