Haskell Small

American composer, pianist and teacher Haskell Small was born in Washington DC on 3 June 1948. After initially studying science and engineering, he studied music at San Francisco Conservatory and Carnegie-Mellon University.

Widely commissioned as a composer, his works integrate various modern and postmodern idioms including blues and jazz.

As a piano soloist he is a champion of Catalan composer Frederic Mompou and has performed in China, Europe, Japan and South America.

Based in Washington DC he was previously chair of the piano department at Washington Conservatory, where he is still a member of the piano faculty.

Haskell Small suffered a stroke in February 2021, leaving his left hand temporarily paralysed. From April 2022 he resumed performing, arranging classical works for performance with his right hand only, and later resuming full use of both hands.

 

A selection of articles about Haskell Small

CD Spotlight. Sculptures in Sound - Haskell Small piano music, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. '... an artist at the summit of his creative powers ...'

CD Spotlight. A Must-have - Piano music by Federico Mompou, recommended by Natalie Artemas-Polak. 'Haskell Small's contemplative approach admirably suits these pieces ...'

CD Spotlight. Superbly Measured - Music by Haskell Small and Mussorgsky, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... indisputably fine pianism ...'

CD Spotlight. Integrity and musicianship - Haskell Small plays Bach and Small, appreciated by Roderic Dunnett

Profile - Lisztian sparkle. Roderic Dunnett talks to American piano virtuoso Haskell Small