Petro Yon Program Notes and Sheet Music

Pietro Yon (1886-1943) was an Italian-American composer and organist. He was born in Settimo Vittone, Italy, on March 18, 1886. He studied music at the Conservatory of Turin, where he graduated with honors in 1906. In 1910, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He studied organ with Luigi Zaninelli and composition with Horatio Parker.

Yon was organist at St. Patrick's Cathedral from 1923 to 1943. He was also a professor of music at Columbia University and the Juilliard School. He composed over 100 works, including operas, symphonies, chamber music, and choral music. His best-known work is the opera La figlia di Iorio (1934), which was based on a play by Gabriele D'Annunzio.

Yon died in New York City on March 11, 1943. He was 56 years old.

Yon was a gifted composer who wrote music in a variety of genres. His works are characterized by their lyricism, melodic richness, and dramatic power. He was a major figure in American music in the early 20th century, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed today.