William Bender

William Bender was an influential American music critic whose career spanned several prominent publications, including the New York Herald Tribune and Time magazine, where he served as chief music critic from 1968 to 1978. His insightful reviews and critiques contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of classical music during a transformative era. Bender's expertise extended beyond journalism; he was also an accomplished author and filmmaker, winning an Emmy Award for his documentary on the renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski, which aired on National Educational Television and the BBC in 1970. In addition to his critical work, Bender co-authored 'The Tenors' in 1974, a detailed exploration of the life and career of opera singer Richard Tucker. His academic background included a Master of Music from Columbia University, where he also taught, alongside positions at Syracuse University and Bradley University. Bender's contributions to music criticism and education left a lasting impact on the field, shaping the discourse around classical music and its performers for future generations.