Birth

:

March 9, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

November 27, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Film

 

Mitchell Lurie was a renowned American clarinetist and music educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on March 28, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a family of musicians. His father, Harry Lurie, was a clarinetist and his mother, Rose Lurie, was a pianist. Mitchell Lurie showed an early interest in music and began playing the clarinet at the age of nine. Lurie's family moved to Los Angeles when he was a teenager, and he continued his music education at Los Angeles City College and the University of Southern California. He studied under some of the most prominent clarinetists of the time, including Benny Goodman, Daniel Bonade, and Gustave Rosseels. Lurie's talent and dedication to his craft quickly became apparent, and he began performing professionally while still in college. After completing his studies, Lurie joined the United States Army during World War II and served as a musician in the Army Band. He was stationed in Europe and performed for troops and civilians alike. After the war, Lurie returned to Los Angeles and continued his career as a professional clarinetist. Lurie's talent and hard work paid off, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after clarinetists in the country. He performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the United States, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist and chamber musician, and his recordings were widely acclaimed. In addition to his performing career, Lurie was also a dedicated music educator. He taught at the University of Southern California, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the California Institute of the Arts. He also wrote several instructional books for clarinetists, including "The Clarinet: A Comprehensive Method" and "Mastering the Clarinet." Lurie's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Award, the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award, and the California Arts Council Artist Fellowship. He was also inducted into the International Clarinet Association Hall of Fame in 1997. Despite his success, Lurie remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and teach until his death on December 17, 2008, at the age of 85. His legacy lives on through his recordings, instructional books, and the countless musicians he inspired and taught throughout his career. In conclusion, Mitchell Lurie was a talented and dedicated clarinetist and music educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His performances, recordings, and instructional books continue to inspire and educate musicians around the world. Lurie's legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a love for music.

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