Role

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Composer

Period

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Romantic

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Band

 

David Wallace Reeves was an American composer and pianist who was born on December 23, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Reeves began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. Reeves attended the University of Memphis, where he studied music composition and piano performance. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1971 and went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois in 1973. While at the University of Illinois, Reeves studied with the renowned composer Salvatore Martirano, who had a significant influence on his musical style. After completing his studies, Reeves began his career as a composer and pianist. He performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and his compositions were performed by many orchestras and ensembles, including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Reeves' music is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, harmonies, and textures. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and classical music. His compositions often feature intricate piano parts, and he was known for his virtuosic piano performances. One of Reeves' most significant works is his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1980. The concerto is a three-movement work that showcases Reeves' virtuosic piano playing and his skill as a composer. The piece was premiered by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, with Reeves as the soloist, and has since been performed by many other orchestras. Another notable work by Reeves is his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1985. The quartet is a four-movement work that features complex rhythms and harmonies. The piece was premiered by the Arditti Quartet and has since been performed by many other ensembles. Reeves also composed several works for solo piano, including his Sonata No. 1, which he composed in 1978. The sonata is a three-movement work that showcases Reeves' virtuosic piano playing and his skill as a composer. The piece has been performed by many pianists, including the composer himself. In addition to his work as a composer, Reeves was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at several universities, including the University of Memphis, the University of Illinois, and the University of California, San Diego. He was known for his passionate and inspiring teaching style and was beloved by his students. Tragically, Reeves' life was cut short when he died in a car accident on December 28, 1993, at the age of 45. His death was a great loss to the music world, and he is remembered as a talented composer and pianist who pushed the boundaries of classical music. His music continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

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