Howard Hanson (1896-1981) was noted not only for his compositions, but also for directing the Eastman School of Music for more than 40 years, making it one of the premier conservatories in America. His Second Symphony, the lush and lyrical "Romantic," remains his greatest work and typifies the style with which he's most often associated. Hanson's Symphony No. 7 is one of a series of works inspired by the poetry of Walt Whitman. Other important works include the choral Lament for Beowulf, the opera Merry Mount, and a variety of other chamber, vocal, and orchestral works.