Role

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Composer

Birth

:

1954

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

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Chamber

 

Marc Satterwhite is a contemporary American composer of classical music. He was born on August 22, 1954, in San Francisco, California. Satterwhite grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. He began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and viola. Satterwhite attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He then went on to study composition at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Satterwhite's early compositions were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the works of composers such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen. However, he soon began to develop his own unique style, which combined elements of modernism with more traditional forms and structures. One of Satterwhite's most notable early works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was composed in 1982. The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as col legno and sul ponticello, as well as its complex rhythmic patterns and harmonies. The quartet was well-received by critics and helped establish Satterwhite as a rising star in the world of contemporary classical music. In the years that followed, Satterwhite continued to compose a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal music. One of his most ambitious works is his opera, The Toyshop, which was composed in 1995. The opera tells the story of a group of toys who come to life and embark on a series of adventures. The piece is notable for its inventive use of instrumentation, which includes toy pianos, music boxes, and other unconventional instruments. Another notable work by Satterwhite is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 2001. The piece is characterized by its use of complex polyrhythms and harmonies, as well as its incorporation of elements of jazz and rock music. The symphony was well-received by critics and helped establish Satterwhite as one of the leading composers of his generation. In addition to his work as a composer, Satterwhite is also an accomplished educator. He has taught at a number of universities, including the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Louisville. He has also served as a guest lecturer and conductor at a number of institutions around the world. Satterwhite's music has been performed by a wide range of ensembles and orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Louisville Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. His works have also been featured at a number of festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Festival and the Aspen Music Festival. Overall, Marc Satterwhite is a highly respected composer of contemporary classical music. His works are characterized by their inventive use of instrumentation, complex harmonies and rhythms, and incorporation of elements of jazz and rock music. His contributions to the world of classical music have helped to push the boundaries of the genre and inspire a new generation of composers.

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