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Ethan Wickman is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1973 in the United States. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer. Wickman began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Southern California. Wickman's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies and use of extended techniques. He has written works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, chamber groups, and solo instruments. Some of his most notable works include "The Garden of Forking Paths" for orchestra, "The Glass Bead Game" for string quartet, and "The Book of Dances" for solo piano. One of Wickman's early works, "The Garden of Forking Paths," was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra and premiered in 2005. The piece is inspired by the short story of the same name by Jorge Luis Borges and explores the idea of multiple paths and possibilities. The piece features lush harmonies and intricate rhythms, and has been praised for its emotional depth and complexity. Another notable work by Wickman is "The Glass Bead Game," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered in 2010. The piece is based on the novel of the same name by Hermann Hesse and explores the themes of creativity and intellectual exploration. The piece features a variety of extended techniques, including harmonics and glissandi, and has been praised for its innovative use of the string quartet. Wickman's "The Book of Dances" is a collection of short pieces for solo piano that was commissioned by pianist Adam Kent and premiered in 2014. The pieces are inspired by various dance forms, including the waltz, tango, and cha-cha, and showcase Wickman's ability to write music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging. In addition to his work as a composer, Wickman is also a respected educator. He has taught composition at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has been a guest lecturer at numerous universities and music festivals. He is known for his ability to inspire and challenge his students, and has helped to shape the careers of many young composers. Overall, Ethan Wickman is a composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His works are known for their intricate harmonies, innovative use of extended techniques, and emotional depth. He continues to be an important figure in the world of classical music, both as a composer and as an educator.

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