Avery Claflin, American banker and composer (d. 1979)

Avery Claflin (January 21, 1898 – January 9, 1979) was a remarkable American composer whose professional life charted an unconventional course, seamlessly blending a distinguished career in finance with a deep, enduring passion for music. Despite his foundational studies in law and business, which paved the way for a successful career in banking, Claflin cultivated his musical talents throughout his life.

He notably served as the esteemed president of the French American Banking Corp., a significant institution that facilitated financial transactions and relationships between France and the United States. This executive role highlights his high-level engagement in the corporate world, yet it never eclipsed his devotion to composition.

Musical Education and Influential Connections

Claflin's musical journey commenced formally with rigorous music courses undertaken at Harvard University, a testament to his commitment to understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of composition. During his studies, he had the unique privilege of learning from some of the most innovative musical minds of his era.

Among his most notable teachers was the enigmatic French composer Erik Satie. Satie, celebrated for his minimalist, often whimsical, and intentionally unconventional approach to composition, likely instilled in Claflin a penchant for experimentalism and a willingness to challenge traditional musical forms. This influence might be seen in Claflin's later works, which sometimes incorporated unexpected elements or humorous twists.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Claflin also shared a significant professional relationship with Charles Ives, another pioneering American composer. Ives, famed for his radical experimentalism, polytonality, and integration of American vernacular music, similarly balanced a highly successful career in insurance with groundbreaking musical creation. This shared duality of a demanding business career alongside profound musical output created a unique bond and perhaps a mutual understanding between Claflin and Ives, making their connection particularly noteworthy in American music history.

A Life Dedicated to Art Amidst Commerce

Despite the demanding nature of his banking career, Avery Claflin steadfastly dedicated substantial time to composing music and actively participating in various musical organizations. His unwavering commitment underscored his belief that artistic expression was an integral part of his identity. He contributed not only through his compositions but also by fostering a vibrant musical community.

A pivotal shift occurred in 1954 when Claflin retired from his banking profession. This retirement marked a new, highly prolific chapter in his life, as he composed a significant portion of his body of work after this date. Free from the constraints of his corporate responsibilities, he was able to fully immerse himself in his creative endeavors, producing many of the compositions for which he is remembered today.

The Iconic "Lament for April 15"

Among Avery Claflin's most celebrated and enduring compositions is the satirical madrigal, Lament for April 15. This unique choral work, perhaps his most famous piece, ingeniously uses the literal instructions for an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form as its text.

The choice of such an unconventional, bureaucratic document for a madrigal is a stroke of comedic genius, subverting the traditional lyrical themes of the Renaissance vocal form—which typically involve love poems or pastoral settings—with the mundane and often frustrating reality of tax season. This juxtaposition creates a humorous and strikingly original commentary on modern life.

The Lament for April 15 received its world premiere in 1955 at Tanglewood, the prestigious summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. A premiere at such a distinguished venue underscored the work's artistic merit and its immediate recognition within the classical music world.

The composition gained widespread annual recognition thanks to Karl Haas, the esteemed musician, conductor, and beloved public radio host. Every year on April 15th, synchronizing with the dreaded tax deadline, Haas would feature a recording of Claflin's Lament for April 15 on his hugely popular and long-running program, Adventures in Good Music. This annual broadcast introduced the work to millions of listeners across the United States, transforming it into a cherished and humorous musical tradition associated with tax day, thereby cementing its place in popular culture and ensuring Claflin's legacy for a broad audience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avery Claflin

Who was Avery Claflin?
Avery Claflin (1898-1979) was an American composer who led an extraordinary dual career, serving as a successful banking executive, notably as president of the French American Banking Corp., while simultaneously pursuing a lifelong dedication to musical composition.
What is Avery Claflin's most famous composition?
His most renowned work is the satirical madrigal, Lament for April 15, a choral piece that uniquely sets the instructions from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form to music. It became widely known through its annual broadcast on Karl Haas's radio program, Adventures in Good Music.
Who were Avery Claflin's musical influences or connections?
He studied music at Harvard University, where his teachers included the avant-garde French composer Erik Satie. Claflin also shared a significant business association with the pioneering American composer Charles Ives, both of whom successfully managed demanding professional careers alongside their musical pursuits.
When did Avery Claflin compose most of his works?
A significant portion of Avery Claflin's musical output was composed after his retirement from banking in 1954, allowing him to dedicate more time fully to his artistic passion.