Mavericks 250: Alexander Reinagle

Other Minds holds certain truths to be self-evident—what better way to celebrate the American semiquincentennial than with two summer concerts featuring Maverick American Composers from distinct eras of musical history? For our second concert in the series, we’re ecstatic to feature a Maverick less well known: the federalist era’s Alexander Reinagle (1756–1809), friend of C.P.E. Bach, and George Washington’s favorite composer.

Alexander Reinagle was born in Edinburgh and emigrated to America in 1786. He soon established himself as Philadelphia's most renowned musician, and after George Washington heard him at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Washington engaged him to give piano lessons to Martha's granddaughter, Nelly Custis. Nelly was ten when she began her instruction in 1789, and within a few years, Reinagle had completed several large Sonatas for the piano which are today known as the Philadelphia Sonatas. Although they were not published till long after his death, he performed them frequently at public concerts, and today they are regarded as the most significant keyboard music composed in Early America.

Presenting Reinagle's work on both piano, as well as the more historically appropriate fortepiano, will be Stephen Siek, whose recording of the Philadelphia Sonatas remains the gold standard. Siek will also present commentary on the work as well as a lecture with projections illustrating the life and work of the composer.

Public parking is indicated on the campus access map below. The best areas for the Concert Hall are:

• Richards Rd (which runs along in front of the hall)
• Richards Lot (to the right immediately upon passing the entrance gate)
• Lisser Lot
• Cowell Lot

We are unable to reserve parking. There is one ADA spot on Richards Rd, two ADA spots in Lisser lot.

Please note Campus Access Policy:

Northeastern University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the university community, visitors, and guests.

All vehicle drivers and pedestrians entering campus will be required to identify themselves and state their business on campus at all hours. All vehicle drivers are expected to make a full stop at the stop sign and present government-issued ID to the gate officer.

All persons entering campus between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. are required to sign-in and present a Husky Card or a government-issued ID at the Richards Road gate.

Accepted government-issued IDs are state or provincial driver’s license or identification card, passport or passport card, military ID card, or permanent resident card. ID will be requested from the driver of a vehicle and from individuals entering on foot.

Any individual unable to present an accepted ID will not be granted access to campus. Please allow yourself extra time when accessing campus to accommodate the Campus Access Policy, https://policies.northeastern.edu/policy616-oak/

More information to assist you in traveling to Mills College at Northeastern University is linked here: https://performingarts.mills.edu/plan-your-visit.php

If you have any questions, please contact - [email protected]

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