Arthur Fiedler Memorial

One of the most popular and renowned activities in Boston during the 4th of July is the concert performed by the Boston Pops at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. After playing numerous songs, the event is concluded with Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" accompanied by the firing of howitzers and fireworks. Hundreds of thousands have been known to attend the concert every year, and the idea of the Boston Pops performing on the 4th of July free to all was the brainchild of its longest-tenured conductor, Arthur Fielder.

Fielder became the conductor of the Boston Pops in 1930 and would hold the position until his death in 1979. Before his tenure, the Boston Pops was only known mostly in the Northeast, but Fielder helped transform it into a national icon through televised performances, over 300 recordings of many popular songs of the day and offering free concerts so classical music and other genres could be enjoyed by the public. Fielder was known for his flair and showmanship when conducting and occasionally incorporated self-mocking humor to attract larger audiences.

In 1984, five years after his death, a memorial sculpture dedicated to him was installed along the Charles River Esplanade. It’s a 6.5-foot-tall bust made from 83 aluminum plates which has an optical illusion built in. From a distance, the head appears clear and distinct but upon getting closer, it begins to distort. This was done deliberately as a reference to Fielder’s eccentric and conflicting personality. On the outside, he was seen as genial, outgoing, and friendly but in private, he could be cantankerous, distant, and hostile to his friends, family, and members of the orchestra. He also had a peculiar obsession with firefighting and would travel to large fires across Boston any time of the day he was available just to watch firemen at work.

Despite his quirks and oddities, Fielder made significant contributions to the world of classical music and the Boston Pops. If you’re a fan of the orchestra and would like to pay your respects, the statue is worth a visit.