This Month in Piano History: September 2026

---

---

The month of September brings new beginnings as students go back to school and fall piano lessons resume. September is also a time for us to remember great pianists, unforgettable composers, and exemplary compositions that changed the course of music history. This month in piano history, we focus on Amy Beach, Harry T. Burleigh, George Frederic Handel, and Glenn Gould. Read all about it, below!

September 5, 1867 – Birth of Amy Beach

American pianist and composer Amy Beach was born on September 5, 1867 in Henniker, New Hampshire. The first American woman composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra, Beach was a prolific composer with over one hundred published works. Her piano compositions, many of which are romantic in tone, include pedagogical works such as the Children’s Carnival, Op. 25 (1894), as well as advanced works such as her Nocturne, Op. 107 (1924). Beach died on December 27, 1944 at the age of 77 in New York City. Want to learn more about Amy Beach and her compositions? Check out these resources from pianoinspires.com: 

VIDEO: Beach: “Improvisation No. 1” from Five Improvisations, Op. 148 by Leonidas Lagrimas

MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Amy Beach: Celebrating 150 Years by Gail Smith

September 12, 1949 – Death of Harry T. Burleigh

We remember another important American composer, Harry T. Burleigh, who died in Stamford, Connecticut on September 12, 1949 at the age of 82. Born in 1866 just after the end of the American Civil War, Burleigh is known for his songs as well as works for piano and violin. His major piano work, From the Southland, is a suite composed in 1910 and features six movements with poetic inscriptions at the start of each movement. Listen to performances of this work recorded by Rochelle Sennet by clicking here. Interested in learning more about Burleigh? Enroll in our courses below featuring works by Burleigh and other Black composers you need to know:

MICROCOURSE: Music by Black Composers for Intermediate Students (from Unsung Heroes in Piano Pedagogy: 20 Pieces by Black Composers to Use in Your Studio Now)

COURSE: Unsung Heroes in Piano Pedagogy: 20 Pieces by Black Composers to Use in Your Studio Now

September 14, 1741 – Handel Finishes The Messiah

George Frederic Handel’s legendary oratorio, The Messiah, was completed on September 14, 1741. The work, which tells the story of Jesus Christ’s life, was composed for a chorus, an orchestra, and soloists. Lasting over two hours, the work has become one of the most performed works of classical music with the incredibly popular “Hallelujah Chorus” being featured throughout pop culture in numerous ways. In addition to his oratorios and operas, Handel wrote many works for harpsichord including more than a dozen suites and several chaconnes. Looking for works of Handel to include in your teaching curriculum? Check out these resources about Handel below:

VIDEO: Handel: Gavotte in G Major, HWV 491 (“Rigaudon”) by David Cartledge

MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Putting It All Together: Repertoire – What Repertoire Helps Your Students Prepare for Baroque Style? By Marvin Blickenstaff, Amy Rothstein, Sandra Stewert, and Yat-Yee Chong

September 25, 1932 – Birth of Glenn Gould

One of the most important Canadian pianists, Glenn Gould was born in Toronto, Canada on September 25, 1932. Renowned for his playing of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Gould became heavily associated with the composer through his recordings of the Goldberg Variations, which can be heard by clicking here. In addition to Bach, Gould performed works of Schoenberg, Brahms, Beethoven, and a number of other contemporary composers. 

Many pianists first encounter Bach’s contrapuntal works through his Inventions. Rediscover these wonderful pedagogical works through this webinar presented by Marvin Blickenstaff:

WEBINAR: Bach Inventions: Prepare, Present, Perform by Marvin Blickenstaff

---