McDonald, Harl (1899–1955)

US pianist, scientist, and composer. He studied at home, at California University, and the Leipzig Conservatory. He toured as a pianist in Europe and USA, settling in Philadelphia as teacher and conductor. From 1930 to 1933 he studied physics in relation to acoustic problems with a Rockefeller grant and wrote a book entitled New Methods of Measuring Sound.

Works Psalm 84 and Missa ad Patrem for chorus and orchestra; four symphonies (1934–38: no. 1 The Santa Fé Trail, no. 2 Rhumba), two suites and three Poems on Aramaic Themes for orchestra; two piano concertos; string quartet on African-American themes (1932), piano trio; piano works; songs.