Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

April 23, 1976

 

Bryce Dessner is a renowned American composer and musician, born on April 23, 1976, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is best known for his contributions to the indie rock band The National, but he has also made a name for himself in the classical music world. Dessner's music is characterized by its intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional instruments. Dessner grew up in a musical family, with both of his parents being professional musicians. His father was a composer and conductor, while his mother was a flutist. Dessner and his twin brother Aaron began playing music at a young age, with Bryce starting on the guitar and Aaron on the drums. They formed their first band, The Luyas, while still in high school. After graduating from high school, Dessner attended Yale University, where he studied music composition. While at Yale, he met fellow composer Nico Muhly, with whom he would later collaborate on several projects. Dessner also formed The National with his brother Aaron and several other musicians while at Yale. The band released their first album, "The National," in 2001, and quickly gained a following in the indie rock scene. Despite his success with The National, Dessner continued to pursue his classical music career. He has written numerous works for chamber ensembles, orchestras, and soloists. One of his most notable works is "St. Carolyn by the Sea," a concerto for electric guitar and orchestra. The piece was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 2013, with Dessner himself performing the guitar solo. Dessner's music often incorporates elements of minimalism, a style of music characterized by its repetitive patterns and use of simple harmonies. He has cited composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass as influences on his work. However, Dessner's music also draws on a wide range of other genres, including folk, rock, and jazz. In addition to his work as a composer, Dessner is also an accomplished performer. He has performed with a number of orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Contemporary Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. He has also collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and David Byrne. Dessner's music has received widespread critical acclaim. His album "Aheym," which features works for string quartet, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2014. His music has also been performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Barbican Centre in London. Despite his success, Dessner remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music. He has spoken about the need for classical music to evolve and incorporate new influences, and has worked to bridge the gap between classical and popular music. In 2015, he co-curated the Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival, which featured performances by both classical and indie rock musicians. In recent years, Dessner has also become involved in activism and social justice issues. He has worked with organizations such as the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, and has used his music to raise awareness about issues such as climate change and immigration. Overall, Bryce Dessner is a versatile and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to both the classical and indie rock worlds. His music is characterized by its complexity and eclecticism, and he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in both genres.

More....