Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

January 25, 1921

Death

:

2005

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

Alfred Reed was a renowned American composer and arranger of classical music. He was born on January 25, 1921, in New York City, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Reed started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Reed attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition and conducting. He also studied with famous composers such as Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith. After graduating from Juilliard, Reed served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he played in the Army Band. After the war, Reed worked as a freelance composer and arranger in New York City. He wrote music for radio and television commercials, as well as for Broadway shows. In 1953, he moved to Miami, Florida, where he became the director of bands at the University of Miami. He held this position for 20 years and was instrumental in building the university's music program. Reed's compositions are known for their rich harmonies, intricate rhythms, and colorful orchestration. He wrote music for a variety of ensembles, including symphony orchestras, wind bands, and chamber groups. Some of his most famous works include "Russian Christmas Music," "El Camino Real," and "Armenian Dances." "Russian Christmas Music" is a symphonic suite that was inspired by Russian folk music and Orthodox liturgical music. It was first performed in 1944 and has since become a staple of the classical music repertoire. The piece features lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms that evoke the spirit of the Russian people. "El Camino Real" is a piece for wind band that was inspired by the music of the American Southwest. It features driving rhythms, colorful harmonies, and a lively melody that captures the spirit of the open road. The piece has become a favorite of wind bands around the world and is often performed at music festivals and competitions. "Armenian Dances" is a suite of folk dances that was inspired by the music of Armenia. The piece features lively rhythms, colorful harmonies, and intricate melodies that capture the spirit of the Armenian people. The suite has become a favorite of symphony orchestras and wind bands and is often performed at cultural events and festivals. In addition to his compositions, Reed was also known for his arrangements of classical music. He arranged works by famous composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart for wind band, making their music accessible to a wider audience. His arrangements are known for their faithful adherence to the original works while also highlighting the unique qualities of the wind band. Reed's contributions to classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1960 and was awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Medal for Lifetime Achievement in 1989. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Miami and the University of South Carolina. Alfred Reed passed away on September 17, 2005, at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed by orchestras and bands around the world. His contributions to classical music have helped to expand the repertoire for wind bands and have made classical music more accessible to a wider audience.

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