Old Fogy

James Gibbons Huneker (1860-1921) was an American music writer and critic, born in Pennsylvania. He studied music in Europe under Alfredo Barili and others. He returned to New York City in 1885 and remained there until his death. His level at the piano was such that Liszt's student, Rafael Joseffy, had Huneker serve as an assistant teacher to his piano students. Huneker wrote the analysis and commentary on the complete works of Chopin for Schirmer's music publishing company. His analysis of all the piano solo works of Brahms, written shortly after the complete works of Brahms were published after Brahms' death, is highly regarded. He was the music editor of The New York Sun, and a frequent contributor to the leading magazines and reviews. He is mostly remembered now for his music criticism. He was a music critic who familiarized Americans with then modern European artistic movements and wrote in a highly subjective style, full of metaphorical descriptions. His books include: Chopin: The Man and His Music (1900), Visionaries (1905), Promenades of an Impressionist (1910) and Old Fogy (1913).