Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 31, 1952 in Niagara Falls, NY

Death

:

June 6, 2014 in Chicago, IL

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Lee Hyla was an American composer of contemporary classical music, known for his unique style that blended elements of jazz, rock, and classical music. He was born on August 31, 1952, in Niagara Falls, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, so music was always a part of his life. Hyla began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly showed a talent for music. He went on to study music at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1974. He then went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1976. During his time at the New England Conservatory, Hyla studied with the renowned composer Gunther Schuller, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Schuller introduced Hyla to the concept of "third stream" music, which blended elements of jazz and classical music. This concept would become a significant influence on Hyla's music throughout his career. After completing his studies, Hyla began his career as a composer, and his works quickly gained recognition. In 1983, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study with the composer György Ligeti. This experience had a significant impact on Hyla's music, and he began incorporating more avant-garde elements into his compositions. Throughout his career, Hyla composed a wide range of works, including chamber music, orchestral works, and operas. His music was known for its complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. He often used extended techniques on traditional instruments, such as playing the clarinet with multiphonics or using a bow on a piano. One of Hyla's most famous works is his composition "We Speak Etruscan," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet in 1992. The piece is a tribute to the ancient Etruscan civilization and features a unique blend of classical and jazz elements. The work was well-received by critics and helped establish Hyla as one of the leading composers of contemporary classical music. Another notable work by Hyla is his opera "Dream of Innocent III," which premiered in 2006. The opera tells the story of Pope Innocent III and his struggle to reconcile his religious beliefs with his political power. The work features a complex score that blends elements of opera, jazz, and rock music. Hyla's music was performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. He was also a respected teacher and taught at a number of institutions, including the New England Conservatory of Music and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Sadly, Hyla passed away on June 6, 2014, at the age of 61. However, his music continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. His unique style and innovative approach to composition have had a significant impact on contemporary classical music and will continue to inspire future generations of composers.

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