At thirteen years of age his altruism was rewarded when friends intervened, finding him a job as piano soloist at the Strand theatre in New York City. Soon after, Newman won a silver medal and a gold medal in a competition, which included such distinguished judges as the German conductor Karl Muck and renowned composer/pianist Ferruccio Busoni.īecause his father could not find work, Alfred took up the mantle of bread earner for his family by playing at local theaters and restaurants. It came to pass that friend of his family brought him to the attention of the great Polish pianist, Sigismond Stojowski, who recognized his talent and generously offered him a scholarship. By age seven he began his public career by giving piano concerts, which was used to support his family and finance his musical education. It became apparent early on that he was a prodigy and that his gift required tutelage beyond the skills of this local piano teacher. Everyday Alfred would walk the ten-mile round trip to practice on a neighbor’s piano. He quickly revealed an appetite for music and we are thankful that his mother, despite their poverty, somehow managed at age six, to secure him piano lessons for 25 cents a session.
The Newman family legacy is nothing short of remarkable.Īlfred was born humbly of Jewish ancestry, the eldest of ten children. His two younger brothers, Emil and Lionel, were both composers, as are his sons David, Thomas and his nephew Randy. Indeed the Newman family has collectively gained recognition as one of the most gifted ever to grace the recording studios of Hollywood. Born: 17 March 1900, New Haven, Connecticut.Īlfred Newman is remembered as one of the Titans of film music.
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