Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

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1961

 

Jonathan Grasse is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1969 in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Grasse began playing the guitar at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for music. Grasse attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Music Composition from California Institute of the Arts. During his time at CalArts, Grasse studied under renowned composers such as Morton Subotnick, Stephen L. Mosko, and Wadada Leo Smith. Grasse’s early works were heavily influenced by his jazz background, but he soon began to incorporate elements of classical music into his compositions. His music is characterized by its use of unconventional harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of electronic and acoustic instruments. One of Grasse’s most notable works is his composition “The Seven Deadly Sins,” which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 2003. The piece is a musical interpretation of the seven deadly sins, with each sin represented by a different instrument. The composition is a tour de force of Grasse’s unique style, with its complex harmonies and intricate rhythms. Another notable work by Grasse is his composition “The Four Elements,” which was commissioned by the Santa Barbara Symphony and premiered in 2010. The piece is a musical interpretation of the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – and features a combination of electronic and acoustic instruments. The composition is a testament to Grasse’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and genres. Grasse has also composed music for film and television, including the score for the documentary “The Last Days of Vietnam,” which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2015. His music has been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Santa Barbara Symphony, and the California E.A.R. Unit. In addition to his work as a composer, Grasse is also an accomplished guitarist and has performed with a number of jazz and classical ensembles. He has recorded several albums as a solo artist, including “Shadow of the Sun” and “Orange Night.” Grasse is currently a professor of music at California State University, Northridge, where he teaches courses in music composition and theory. He is also the director of the CSUN New Music Ensemble, which performs contemporary classical music by both established and emerging composers. In conclusion, Jonathan Grasse is a contemporary classical music composer who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His unique style, which blends elements of jazz, classical, and electronic music, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. With his continued work as a composer and educator, Grasse is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of music.

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