Edward MacDowell was an American composer and pianist, born on December 18, 1860, in New York City. He is best known for his contributions to the Romantic music style and for his piano compositions, which often reflect the beauty of nature and American landscapes. MacDowell studied in Europe, where he was influenced by various musical traditions. In addition to his work as a composer, MacDowell was a dedicated music educator. He served as the first director of the Juilliard School and founded the MacDowell Colony, an artist residency program in New Hampshire that supports creative individuals. He passed away on January 23, 1908.