Role

:

Composer  

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

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Avant-Garde

 

 

Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Randall Woolf is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on December 29, 1959, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Woolf began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and bass. Woolf attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City and later went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music. He also studied composition with Charles Wuorinen at Columbia University, where he earned his Master of Music degree. Woolf's compositions are known for their eclectic style, blending elements of classical, jazz, and rock music. He has been influenced by a wide range of composers, including Igor Stravinsky, John Cage, and Frank Zappa. One of Woolf's most notable works is his opera "The Inner Circle," which premiered in 2005 at the Miller Theatre in New York City. The opera tells the story of the relationship between President Richard Nixon and his advisor, H.R. Haldeman, during the Watergate scandal. The opera received critical acclaim for its innovative use of multimedia and its exploration of the psychological dynamics between the two men. Woolf has also composed a number of chamber works, including "Blues for Black Hoodies," which was inspired by the death of Trayvon Martin and premiered in 2014. The piece features a spoken-word performance by rapper and activist Tef Poe and explores issues of race and violence in America. Another notable work by Woolf is his "Punching the Clock" concerto for electric guitar and orchestra, which premiered in 2017. The piece features virtuosic guitar playing and incorporates elements of rock and jazz music. Woolf has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has also been commissioned by a number of prominent ensembles and organizations, including the Kronos Quartet and the American Composers Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Woolf is also a professor of music at Princeton University. He has taught composition and music theory at a number of institutions, including Columbia University, New York University, and the Manhattan School of Music. Overall, Randall Woolf is a highly respected and innovative composer whose work has pushed the boundaries of contemporary classical music. His eclectic style and willingness to explore complex social and political issues have made him a unique voice in the world of music.

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