Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

1947 in Chicago, IL

 

Philip Bimstein is a contemporary American composer known for his unique blend of classical and folk music. Born on January 3, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bimstein grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged their son's interest in music from an early age. Bimstein began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in music composition. After graduation, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the 1970s, Bimstein became involved in the avant-garde music scene in New York. He worked with experimental composers such as John Cage and Morton Feldman, and his own compositions began to reflect this influence. However, Bimstein soon became disillusioned with the avant-garde movement and began to explore other musical styles. In the 1980s, Bimstein moved back to Utah and began to incorporate folk music into his compositions. He was particularly interested in the music of the Mormon pioneers who had settled in the area. Bimstein's compositions from this period often featured traditional folk instruments such as the banjo and harmonica. One of Bimstein's most famous works from this period is "Garland Hirschi's Cows," a musical tribute to a local farmer who had a herd of cows that he would take on walks through the town. The piece features recordings of the cows mooing and the sound of their bells, as well as Bimstein's own musical accompaniment. In the 1990s, Bimstein began to focus more on environmental issues in his music. He was particularly concerned with the impact of human activity on the natural world. One of his most famous works from this period is "Larkin Gifford's Harmonica," a musical tribute to a man who had lived in a remote cabin in the Utah wilderness. The piece features recordings of Gifford playing his harmonica, as well as Bimstein's own musical accompaniment. Bimstein's music has been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Utah Symphony, the Kronos Quartet, and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. He has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including the poet Terry Tempest Williams and the filmmaker Ken Burns. In addition to his work as a composer, Bimstein has also been involved in politics. He served as the mayor of Springdale, Utah, from 2000 to 2008, and was a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Overall, Philip Bimstein is a unique and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His blend of classical and folk music, as well as his focus on environmental issues, has made him a beloved figure in the contemporary music scene.

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