Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1954

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

James Mobberley is a contemporary American composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mobberley grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Mobberley started playing the piano at a young age and showed a keen interest in music from an early age. Mobberley attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his time at the University of Illinois, Mobberley studied with renowned composers such as Salvatore Martirano and Ben Johnston. After completing his studies, Mobberley began his career as a composer and educator. He taught at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance for over 30 years, where he served as the chair of the composition department. He has also taught at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of California, San Diego, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Mobberley's music is known for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including jazz, rock, and electronic music. His compositions often feature complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. One of Mobberley's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Kansas City Symphony and premiered in 1996. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Mobberley's skill as a composer. The first movement, titled "Fanfare," is a bold and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the symphony. The second movement, "Lament," is a somber and introspective piece that features a solo violin. The third movement, "Dance," is a lively and rhythmic piece that showcases Mobberley's jazz influences. The final movement, "Epilogue," is a reflective and contemplative piece that brings the symphony to a close. Another notable work by Mobberley is his Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the Kansas City Symphony and premiered in 2003. The concerto is a three-movement work that features the saxophone as the solo instrument. The first movement, "Fast and Furious," is a virtuosic display of the saxophone's capabilities. The second movement, "Slow and Expressive," is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases the saxophone's ability to convey emotion. The final movement, "Fast and Furious," is a high-energy piece that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. In addition to his symphonies and concertos, Mobberley has also composed numerous chamber works, including string quartets, piano trios, and solo pieces for various instruments. His chamber works are known for their intricate textures and complex harmonies. Mobberley has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1999, he was awarded the Governor's Arts Award for his outstanding contributions to the arts in Missouri. In 2006, he was awarded the Charlotte Street Foundation's Generative Performing Artist Award. He has also received grants and commissions from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Composers Forum, and the Fromm Music Foundation.

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