Role

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Composer  

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

David Uber was an American composer and conductor who was born on October 18, 1941, in Coffeyville, Kansas. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a band director and his mother a pianist. Uber began playing the trumpet at a young age and later learned to play the piano and French horn. Uber attended the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and a Master of Music degree in conducting. He also studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition. Uber's early compositions were influenced by the works of Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky. He was also inspired by jazz and popular music, which he incorporated into his compositions. Uber's music is characterized by its lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and harmonic complexity. Uber's first major composition was his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Kansas City Symphony in 1968. The symphony was well-received and established Uber as a promising young composer. He went on to compose a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, choral music, and music for wind ensemble. One of Uber's most popular works is his Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra, which was premiered by the Kansas City Symphony in 1976. The concerto is known for its virtuosic tuba writing and its lyrical themes. It has since become a staple of the tuba repertoire and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Another notable work by Uber is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the Kansas City Symphony and premiered in 1980. The symphony is a tribute to the American West and features themes inspired by the landscape and culture of the region. The symphony has been performed by orchestras throughout the United States and has been praised for its evocative melodies and colorful orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Uber was also a respected conductor. He served as the music director of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra from 1979 to 1983 and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra from 1983 to 1993. He also conducted numerous other orchestras and ensembles throughout his career. Uber was a dedicated educator and taught at several universities throughout his career, including Wichita State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He was known for his passion for teaching and his ability to inspire his students. David Uber passed away on December 30, 2017, at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. His contributions to the world of classical music have earned him a place among the great American composers of the 20th century.

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