American composer. In addition to piano works, he composed symphonies and chamber music. He studied music from an early age and served as an organist at a church in his native Philadelphia at the age of 15. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Philadelphia Conservatory, earning a doctorate in music in 1945. Subsequently, he began teaching music at the Juilliard School, where he also served as head of the composition department.

Persichetti was a prolific composer with a diverse style. In his piano works, his individuality is expressed through his piano writing.