Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

March 26, 1936

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Erich Urbanner was born on January 26, 1936, in Vienna, Austria. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Urbanner began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition at the Vienna Music Academy. He later continued his studies with renowned composers such as Karl Schiske and Hanns Jelinek. Urbanner's early works were heavily influenced by the Second Viennese School, particularly the music of Arnold Schoenberg. However, he soon began to develop his own unique style, incorporating elements of jazz and folk music into his compositions. His music is characterized by its complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and use of unconventional instruments. One of Urbanner's most notable works is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered in 1966. The piece is known for its virtuosic piano writing and its use of unconventional percussion instruments, such as brake drums and cowbells. Another significant work is his String Quartet No. 3, which was composed in 1972. The piece is notable for its use of extended techniques, such as col legno and sul ponticello, and its incorporation of folk melodies. Throughout his career, Urbanner has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1995, he was awarded the Grand Austrian State Prize for Music, and in 2009 he was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the City of Vienna. He has also served as a professor of composition at the Vienna Music Academy and has been a guest lecturer at universities around the world. Despite his many accolades, Urbanner remains humble about his achievements. He once said in an interview, "I don't think of myself as a great composer. I'm just a composer who tries to write good music." Nevertheless, his contributions to classical music have been significant, and his works continue to be performed and admired by audiences around the world.

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