Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1951

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

David MacBride is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1951 in the United States. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. MacBride began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He attended the University of California, San Diego, where he studied composition with Robert Erickson and Roger Reynolds. MacBride's early works were influenced by the experimental music of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the works of John Cage and Morton Feldman. He was also interested in the use of technology in music, and his early works often incorporated electronic sounds and computer-generated music. One of MacBride's early works, "Music for a Summer Evening," was composed in 1975 and is scored for two pianos, percussion, and electronic sounds. The piece is notable for its use of indeterminate notation, which allows the performers to make choices about how to interpret the music. This approach was influenced by the work of John Cage, who was known for his use of chance operations in composition. In the 1980s, MacBride began to focus more on acoustic instruments and traditional forms of notation. He was particularly interested in the use of microtonality, which involves dividing the octave into smaller intervals than the traditional twelve-tone system. This allowed him to create new harmonic and melodic possibilities in his music. One of MacBride's most well-known works is "The Garden of Forking Paths," which was composed in 1987 and is scored for string quartet and electronic sounds. The piece is based on the short story of the same name by Jorge Luis Borges and explores the idea of multiple paths and possibilities. The electronic sounds in the piece are created using a computer program that generates random sequences of notes, creating a sense of unpredictability and indeterminacy. Another notable work by MacBride is "The Persistence of Memory," which was composed in 1993 and is scored for orchestra. The piece is inspired by the paintings of Salvador Dali and explores the idea of time and memory. The music is characterized by its use of slow, sustained chords and shifting harmonies, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. In addition to his work as a composer, MacBride has also been active as a performer and educator. He has performed as a pianist and trumpet player in various ensembles and has taught composition at the University of California, Santa Barbara, since 1986. Overall, David MacBride is a composer who has been influenced by a wide range of musical styles and techniques. His early works were experimental and incorporated electronic sounds, while his later works have focused more on acoustic instruments and traditional forms of notation. He is particularly interested in the use of microtonality and has created a unique harmonic and melodic language in his music. His works often explore philosophical and literary themes, creating a sense of depth and complexity.

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