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Composer Performer

 

David Crowell is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1976 in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Crowell began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the saxophone and clarinet. Crowell attended the Manhattan School of Music where he studied composition with Richard Danielpour and Nils Vigeland. He later earned a Master of Music degree in composition from the Yale School of Music where he studied with Martin Bresnick and Aaron Jay Kernis. Crowell’s music is characterized by its use of repetitive patterns and minimalist techniques. He often incorporates electronic elements into his compositions, creating a unique blend of acoustic and electronic sounds. His music has been described as “hypnotic” and “mesmerizing.” One of Crowell’s early works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was composed in 2001. The piece is in four movements and features repetitive patterns and minimalist techniques. The work was premiered by the Momenta Quartet and has since been performed by other ensembles. In 2005, Crowell composed his first large-scale work, his Symphony No. 1. The piece is in three movements and features a large orchestra with electronic elements. The work was premiered by the American Composers Orchestra and has since been performed by other orchestras. Crowell’s music has been performed by a number of ensembles and orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. He has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including the choreographer Kyle Abraham and the visual artist Tauba Auerbach. In 2014, Crowell released his debut album, “Invisible Cities,” which features his compositions for chamber ensemble. The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish Crowell as a rising star in the contemporary classical music world. One of Crowell’s most notable works is his opera “Empire Noir,” which was premiered in 2016. The opera is based on the novel “Empire of the Sun” by J.G. Ballard and features a libretto by the poet and playwright Royce Vavrek. The work was commissioned by the American Opera Projects and was performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. “Empire Noir” is a haunting and atmospheric work that explores themes of memory, trauma, and survival. The opera features a large ensemble of singers and musicians, as well as electronic elements and video projections. The work was praised for its innovative use of technology and its powerful emotional impact. In addition to his work as a composer, Crowell is also an educator. He has taught composition at a number of institutions, including the Yale School of Music and the Juilliard School. He is currently on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music. David Crowell is a composer who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music world. His innovative use of repetitive patterns and electronic elements has helped to push the boundaries of the genre and create a unique and distinctive sound. With his powerful and emotionally resonant works, Crowell has established himself as one of the most exciting and important composers of his generation.

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