Powell, John

1882–1963, American pianist and composer, b. Richmond, Va., grad. Univ. of Virginian, 1901. In Vienna he studied piano and composition and in 1908 made his debut as a pianist in Berlin. His compositions employ much material from folk song. His outstanding works are Rhapsodie nègre (1919); the Virginia country dances Natchez on the Hill (1932); a folk carol, The Babe of Bethlehem (1934); his Symphony in A (1937); a symphony on Virginian folk themes (1945); and concertos, songs, and chamber music.