Genre

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Orchestral

 

Robert Black is a renowned double bassist and contemporary music performer. He was born in 1956 in New York City, where he grew up and developed a passion for music. Black began playing the double bass at the age of 14 and quickly became proficient in the instrument. He went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1978. After completing his studies, Black began his career as a professional musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and versatile performer, capable of playing a wide range of musical styles. In the early 1980s, he became a member of the New York City Opera Orchestra, where he remained for several years. In addition to his work as an orchestral musician, Black also began to focus on contemporary music. He became a member of the Bang on a Can All-Stars, a group dedicated to performing new and experimental music. With the All-Stars, Black performed at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Barbican Centre in London, and the Sydney Opera House. Throughout his career, Black has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the world of music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, and the American Music Center's Letter of Distinction. One of Black's most notable performances was his solo performance of Steve Reich's "Electric Counterpoint" at the Bang on a Can Marathon in 1992. The piece, which was written specifically for Black, features a complex interplay between the bass and pre-recorded guitar tracks. Black's performance was widely praised for its technical virtuosity and musical sensitivity. In addition to his work as a performer, Black is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at numerous institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Bang on a Can Summer Institute. He is currently a professor of music at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Throughout his career, Black has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. He has collaborated with numerous composers and performers, including John Cage, Philip Glass, and Meredith Monk. His performances and recordings have helped to bring new and innovative music to audiences around the world, and his contributions to the field of contemporary music have been widely recognized and celebrated.

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