Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

November 7, 1949 in Hutchinson, KS

Death

:

February 14, 2016 in Ithaca, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Choral

 

Steven Stucky was an American composer of classical music, born on November 7, 1949, in Hutchinson, Kansas. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a clarinetist. Stucky began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. He attended Baylor University in Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1971. He then went on to study at Cornell University, where he received a Master of Arts degree in 1973 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1978. Stucky's early compositions were influenced by the music of Igor Stravinsky and Elliott Carter. He was also interested in the music of Charles Ives and the American experimental tradition. His first major work, "Three Holy Sonnets of John Donne," was written in 1974 and premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1976. The piece was well-received and helped establish Stucky as a rising star in the classical music world. Throughout his career, Stucky composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal music. He was known for his use of complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as his ability to create vivid musical landscapes. His music often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. One of Stucky's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 1987. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the natural world. The first movement, "Fanfares and Arias," is a celebration of the beauty and power of nature. The second movement, "Lamentations," is a mournful reflection on the destruction of the environment. The final movement, "Epitaphs and Epigrams," is a playful and whimsical tribute to the creatures that inhabit the natural world. Another notable work by Stucky is his "Concerto for Orchestra," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 2003. The piece is a showcase for the various sections of the orchestra, with each section taking turns playing virtuosic solos. The work is characterized by its intricate rhythms and colorful orchestration. Stucky was also a prolific composer of chamber music. One of his most famous chamber works is his "Piano Quartet," which was commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and premiered in 2005. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for the piano, with the other instruments providing a rich and varied accompaniment. In addition to his work as a composer, Stucky was also a respected music educator. He taught at Cornell University, the Eastman School of Music, and the Juilliard School. He was also a frequent guest lecturer and conductor, and he served as the composer-in-residence for several major orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic. Stucky received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2005 for his Second Concerto for Orchestra. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Sadly, Stucky passed away on February 14, 2016, at the age of 66. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His music remains a testament to his creativity, passion, and dedication to the art of classical music.

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