Role

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Composer

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Chamber

 

David Clark Little was an American composer of classical music, born on October 6, 1937, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Little began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He later studied composition at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1959. After completing his studies, Little began his career as a composer, writing music for various ensembles and orchestras. He was known for his unique style, which blended elements of traditional classical music with modern techniques and sounds. His works often featured complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and a wide range of instruments. One of Little's early works was his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1961. The piece was well-received and helped establish Little as a rising talent in the classical music world. He went on to write several more string quartets, including his String Quartet No. 2, which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet in 1983. In addition to his work as a composer, Little was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of California, San Diego, where he was a professor of music from 1970 to 2003. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students to explore new ideas and techniques in their own compositions. Little's most famous work is perhaps his opera, Vinkensport, or The Finch Opera, which he composed in 2006. The opera tells the story of a Belgian bird-singing competition and features a cast of characters that includes both human and avian performers. The piece was praised for its originality and its ability to blend humor and drama in a unique and engaging way. Throughout his career, Little received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, and the Rome Prize, among others. His works were performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. David Clark Little passed away on March 12, 2012, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy of innovative and inspiring music that continues to be celebrated and performed by musicians and audiences around the world. His contributions to the world of classical music have helped to push the boundaries of the genre and inspire new generations of composers to explore new ideas and techniques in their own work.

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