Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 13, 1926 in Spokane, WA

Death

:

January 11, 2000

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Barney Childs was an American composer, pianist, and teacher who was born on February 13, 1926, in Spokane, Washington. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Childs began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Childs attended the University of Washington, where he studied composition with George Frederick McKay and piano with Bela Nagy. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1949 and went on to study at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in 1951. After completing his studies, Childs began his career as a composer and pianist. He was a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra from 1951 to 1953 and performed as a soloist with the orchestra. He also worked as a pianist for the NBC Symphony Orchestra and the Columbia Broadcasting System. In 1953, Childs moved to New York City, where he continued to compose and perform. He became a member of the Composers Forum and the American Composers Alliance. He also worked as a music critic for the New York Herald Tribune and the New York Times. Childs' music was influenced by a variety of styles, including serialism, minimalism, and jazz. He was known for his use of unconventional instruments, such as the toy piano and the harmonica. His compositions often featured complex rhythms and harmonies, and he was known for his use of extended techniques, such as playing inside the piano. One of Childs' most famous works is his composition "Ensemble for Ten," which was written in 1961. The piece is scored for ten instruments, including the toy piano, harmonica, and percussion. It features complex rhythms and harmonies and is considered a landmark work in the development of American experimental music. Another notable work by Childs is his composition "Chamber Concerto No. 2," which was written in 1964. The piece is scored for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano and features complex rhythms and harmonies. It is considered one of Childs' most important works and has been performed by many ensembles around the world. Childs was also known for his work as a teacher. He taught at the University of Redlands in California from 1957 to 1966 and at the University of Arizona from 1966 to 1991. He was a mentor to many young composers and was known for his innovative teaching methods. In addition to his work as a composer and teacher, Childs was also a writer. He wrote several books on music, including "The New Music: The Avant-Garde Since 1945" and "The Way It Is: New and Selected Poems." He was also a contributor to many music journals and magazines. Childs received many awards and honors throughout his career. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Barney Childs passed away on January 11, 2000, in Tucson, Arizona. He left behind a legacy as a pioneering composer and teacher who pushed the boundaries of contemporary music. His innovative compositions and teaching methods continue to inspire young musicians today.

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