Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

December 2, 1937 in Elkin, WV

Death

:

September 21, 2018 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Katherine Hoover is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for her unique style that blends traditional Western classical music with elements of Native American and Asian music. Born on December 7, 1937, in West Virginia, Hoover grew up in a family of musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father played the violin. Hoover started playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the flute, which became her primary instrument. Hoover's early musical education was primarily focused on Western classical music. She studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance. She later pursued a Master of Music degree in composition at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Hoover's interest in Native American and Asian music was sparked during her travels to these regions. She was particularly drawn to the music of the Navajo and Hopi tribes in the American Southwest and the music of Japan and Bali. Hoover's exposure to these musical traditions had a profound impact on her compositions, and she began incorporating elements of these styles into her work. Hoover's compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies, intricate harmonies, and use of unconventional instruments. Her works often feature the flute, which she played herself, as well as other woodwind instruments, such as the oboe and clarinet. She also incorporated percussion instruments, such as the marimba and gamelan, into her compositions. One of Hoover's most famous works is her flute concerto, "Kokopeli," which was inspired by the Hopi god of fertility and music. The concerto features a solo flute accompanied by a full orchestra and incorporates elements of Native American music, such as the use of a Native American flute and the use of a pentatonic scale. "Kokopeli" has been performed by numerous orchestras around the world and has become a staple of the flute repertoire. Another notable work by Hoover is her "Winter Spirits" for flute and harp, which was inspired by the winter landscape of upstate New York. The piece features haunting melodies and intricate harmonies that evoke the beauty and mystery of the winter season. Hoover's compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Tokyo String Quartet. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the National Flute Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Academy Award in Music. In addition to her work as a composer, Hoover has also been a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. She has taught at several universities, including the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Hawaii, and has served as a guest lecturer and clinician at numerous music festivals and conferences. Hoover's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant and enduring. Her unique style and incorporation of non-Western musical traditions have expanded the boundaries of classical music and inspired countless musicians and composers. Today, she is recognized as one of the most important American composers of the 20th century.

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