Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

December 8, 1919 in New York City, NY

Death

:

June 18, 2010

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Kalmen Opperman was a renowned clarinetist, pedagogue, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 28, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York, Opperman grew up in a family of musicians. His father, a violinist, and his mother, a pianist, instilled in him a love for music from an early age. Opperman began playing the clarinet at the age of 12 and quickly showed exceptional talent. Opperman's musical education began at the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of the legendary clarinetist, Simeon Bellison. He later continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree. Opperman's talent and dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Naumburg Award in 1947. As a performer, Opperman was known for his virtuosic technique and expressive playing style. He performed with some of the most renowned orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He also played as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with other notable musicians such as pianist Menahem Pressler and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to his performing career, Opperman was a highly respected pedagogue. He taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School of Music, and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He also conducted masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring clarinetists. Opperman's contributions to the world of music extended beyond his performances and teaching. He was also a prolific composer, with a catalog of works that included pieces for solo clarinet, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions were known for their lyrical melodies, intricate harmonies, and technical demands. One of Opperman's most famous works is his Clarinet Sonata, which he composed in 1950. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for the clarinet, with challenging technical passages and expressive melodies. It has become a staple of the clarinet repertoire and is frequently performed by clarinetists around the world. Another notable work by Opperman is his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, which he composed in 1962. The piece is a tour-de-force for the clarinet, with demanding technical passages and a wide range of expressive possibilities. It has been performed by some of the world's leading clarinetists, including Richard Stoltzman and David Shifrin. Opperman's other compositions include works for clarinet and piano, clarinet and string quartet, and clarinet choir. His music has been praised for its beauty, technical demands, and expressive power. In addition to his compositions, Opperman was also a prolific arranger. He arranged numerous works for clarinet ensemble, including pieces by Mozart, Brahms, and Gershwin. His arrangements have become popular among clarinetists and clarinet ensembles around the world. Opperman's contributions to the world of music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Award, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award, and the International Clarinet Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Kalmen Opperman passed away on February 5, 2010, at the age of 90.

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