Josten, Werner (1885–1963)

German-born US composer and conductor. He studied in Munich, Germany, Geneva, Switzerland (with Émile Jaques-Dalcroze), and Paris, France. In 1918 he became assistant conductor at the Munich Opera, but in 1920 emigrated to the USA. He was appointed professor at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1923. He conducted the first US performance of L'incoronazione di Poppea (1926), and led Orfeo (1929) and the US premieres of Handel's Giulio Cesare (1927), Rodelinda (1931), and Serse (1928). In 1938 he gave the first modern revival of Johann Fux's Costanza e fortezza (1723).

Works Ballet Batouala (1931), Endymion (1933), Joseph and his Brethren (1936).

Voices, chorus, and orchestra Crucifixion for bass solo and chorus, Hymnus to the Quene of Paradys for contralto solo, women's chorus, strings, and organ, Ode for St Cecilia's Day for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra (1925).

Orchestral symphony in F major, serenade, symphonic movement Jungle (on Henri Rousseau's picture Forêt exotique, 1929) for orchestra; symphony and two Concerti sacri for strings and piano.