He was an organist, pianist, arranger, choirmaster and composer born in Tecumseh, Nebraska who studied at Lincoln Musical College from 1916 to 1918 and earned his Bachelor of Music degree at University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He studied the piano with Zygmunt (Sigismond) Sojowski and Alexander Lambert and composition with Pietro Yon in New York City.
In 1925 he became a teacher of organ, piano and theory at the University of Nebraska and while at the university he wrote the song “Hail Varsity” which is played at athletic competitions by the University band. During this time he also held the position of choirmaster at the First Plymouth Church.
He remained in Nebraska until 1938 when he moved to Santa Monica, California where he continued his work as a professor at Occidental College. He remained at the college for six or seven years until 1944/1945. He also worked as the choirmaster for the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena from 1938 to 1962.
His compositions and arrangements include many songs and choral works such as “Candles” and the Christmas carol “Noel, Noel, Bells are Ringing“, as well as pieces for piano and organ. He also wrote works for full orchestra such as “Variations on Lobe den Herren”, which was recorded by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
He died in Los Angeles, California in March 1980 when he was 80 years old.
Roger Wagner Chorale recordings
“Noel, Noel, Bells are Ringing”
Delos 3072 (CD: To Catch a Christmas Star)
Conductor – Roger Wagner
California State University Handbell Choir
Sources:
- https://composers-classical-music.com/c/ChenowethWilbur.htm
- https://archivespec.unl.edu/findingaids/rg57-08-02-chenoweth-unl.html
- https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/works/228789–chenoweth-candles/browse
- https://www.naxos.com/Bio/Person/Wilbur_Chenoweth/68802
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/wilbur-chenoweth-mn0001820049#credits
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/2674567-Wilbur-Chenoweth