Role

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Composer

Period

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Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Matthew Harris is a contemporary American composer known for his contributions to the classical music genre. Born on December 28, 1956, in New York City, Harris grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Harris began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Harris attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied composition with Ludmila Ulehla and David Diamond. He also studied piano with Constance Keene and chamber music with members of the Juilliard String Quartet. After completing his studies, Harris began his career as a composer, writing music for various ensembles and soloists. One of Harris's early works, "Three Songs for Soprano and Piano," was premiered in 1982 at the New York Festival of Song. The piece showcased Harris's ability to write for the voice, and it received critical acclaim. Harris continued to write vocal music, including "Songs of Love and War," a song cycle for soprano and piano that was premiered in 1990. Harris's music is characterized by its lyricism and tonality. He often draws inspiration from poetry and literature, and his music reflects a deep understanding of the human experience. Harris's compositions are also known for their intricate harmonies and rhythms, which create a sense of tension and release. In addition to his vocal music, Harris has written numerous works for chamber ensembles and orchestra. One of his most famous works is "Shakespeare Songs," a cycle of 12 songs for soprano and piano that sets texts from Shakespeare's plays. The piece was premiered in 1995 and has since been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. Harris's other notable works include "String Quartet No. 1," which was premiered in 1997 by the Cassatt String Quartet, and "Symphony No. 1," which was premiered in 2001 by the New York Youth Symphony. Harris has also written music for dance, including "The Rite of Spring," which was choreographed by Mark Morris and premiered in 2013. Throughout his career, Harris has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1990, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study the music of the Renaissance. In 2001, he was awarded the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Harris's music continues to be performed and recorded by ensembles around the world. His contributions to the classical music genre have earned him a place among the most respected composers of his generation.

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