Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 3, 1937 in Buffalo, NY

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

David Shire is a renowned American composer, known for his contributions to the world of classical music. Born on July 3, 1937, in Buffalo, New York, Shire grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Irving Shire, was a well-known arranger and conductor, while his mother, Esther Shire, was a pianist. Shire's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Shire began his formal music education at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later attended the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music, where he studied composition with Bernard Rogers and Howard Hanson. After graduating from Eastman, Shire moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early years of his career, Shire worked as a rehearsal pianist and arranger for Broadway shows. He also composed music for television commercials and documentaries. In 1960, Shire made his Broadway debut as the composer of the musical "The Sap of Life." The show was not a commercial success, but it marked the beginning of Shire's career as a composer for the stage. Shire's breakthrough came in 1970, when he composed the score for the Broadway musical "Two Gentlemen of Verona." The show was a critical and commercial success, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Shire's score for "Two Gentlemen of Verona" was praised for its catchy melodies and clever lyrics. Following the success of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," Shire went on to compose music for several other Broadway shows, including "Baby," "Big," and "Closer Than Ever." He also composed the score for the 1979 film "Norma Rae," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. In addition to his work in the theater and film, Shire has also composed music for the concert hall. His works include "Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra," "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," and "Symphony for Strings." Shire's concert music has been performed by orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his career, Shire has been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He has won several awards, including the Academy Award, the Tony Award, and the Emmy Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. One of Shire's most famous works is the score for the 1976 film "All the President's Men." The film, which tells the story of the Watergate scandal, was a critical and commercial success, and Shire's score was praised for its suspenseful and dramatic qualities. The score features a memorable main theme, which has become one of Shire's most recognizable compositions. Another notable work by Shire is the score for the 1974 film "The Conversation." The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, tells the story of a surveillance expert who becomes obsessed with a conversation he has recorded. Shire's score for the film is haunting and atmospheric, and it perfectly captures the film's themes of paranoia and isolation. In addition to his work as a composer, Shire has also been an advocate for music education. He has served on the board of the National Music Council and has been a guest lecturer at several universities. Shire has also been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Musicians Foundation and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

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