Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1931

Genre

:

Choral

 

Abraham Kaplan was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on January 10, 1923, in New York City, United States. Kaplan was the youngest of three children born to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. His father was a tailor, and his mother was a homemaker. Kaplan showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He was a prodigious talent and quickly developed his skills. Kaplan's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons with a local teacher and soon became proficient in playing the instrument. In 1935, Kaplan's family moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his music education. He attended Los Angeles City College and later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied music theory and composition. Kaplan also studied piano with renowned pianist and composer Arnold Schoenberg, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Kaplan's talent as a pianist was recognized early on, and he began performing in public at a young age. In 1941, he won the Los Angeles Young Musicians Foundation Competition, which gave him the opportunity to perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. This performance was a turning point in Kaplan's career, and he began to receive offers to perform with other orchestras. During World War II, Kaplan served in the United States Army and was stationed in Europe. While there, he performed for troops and civilians, which helped to boost morale during the war. After the war, Kaplan returned to the United States and continued his music career. Kaplan's career as a pianist took off in the 1950s and 1960s. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Kaplan was known for his virtuosity and his ability to interpret complex musical compositions. In addition to his performances as a pianist, Kaplan was also a composer. He wrote several pieces for piano, as well as chamber music and orchestral works. His compositions were influenced by his studies with Arnold Schoenberg and his interest in atonal music. Kaplan's contributions to the world of music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1956, he was awarded the Harriet Cohen International Music Award, which recognized his outstanding contributions to music. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1987, which is the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. Kaplan continued to perform and compose music throughout his life. He died on December 18, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 70. His legacy as a pianist and composer continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world. In conclusion, Abraham Kaplan was a talented classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was a virtuoso pianist and a gifted composer whose works were influenced by his studies with Arnold Schoenberg. Kaplan's performances with leading orchestras and his numerous awards and honors are a testament to his talent and dedication to music. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....