Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

Argentina

Birth

:

1934 in Córdoba, Argentina

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Alicia Terzián was a renowned classical music composer born on August 2, 1934, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was the daughter of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian Genocide. Her parents were both musicians, and they instilled a love of music in their daughter from a young age. Terzián began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the violin and the guitar. Terzián's musical education began at the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires, where she studied composition with Alberto Ginastera. She later studied at the Paris Conservatory with Nadia Boulanger, a renowned composition teacher who had taught many of the great composers of the 20th century, including Aaron Copland and Philip Glass. Terzián's early works were influenced by the music of her Armenian heritage, as well as by the music of Argentina. She often incorporated folk melodies and rhythms into her compositions, creating a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. Her music was also influenced by the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, such as serialism and aleatoric music. One of Terzián's most significant works is her String Quartet No. 2, which was composed in 1963. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and incorporates Armenian folk melodies and rhythms. The quartet has been performed by many renowned ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet. Another notable work by Terzián is her Piano Concerto, which was composed in 1972. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with intricate rhythms and complex harmonies. The piece has been performed by many pianists, including Martha Argerich. Terzián's music has been performed by many orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She was also a prolific composer of chamber music, with many works for string quartet, piano trio, and other small ensembles. In addition to her work as a composer, Terzián was also a dedicated teacher. She taught composition at the National University of La Plata in Argentina and later at the University of California, San Diego. Many of her students have gone on to become successful composers in their own right. Terzián received many awards and honors throughout her career, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, and the National Endowment for the Arts grant. She was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Terzián passed away on June 11, 2018, at the age of 83. Her legacy as a composer and teacher continues to inspire musicians around the world. Her music remains an important part of the classical music repertoire, and her contributions to the field of contemporary music will not be forgotten.

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