Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

September 23, 1928 in Passaic, NJ

Death

:

November 24, 2001 in Tampa, FL

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Robert Helps was an American composer and pianist who was born on March 28, 1928, in Passaic, New Jersey. He was the son of a violinist and a pianist, and his parents recognized his musical talent at an early age. Helps began studying piano at the age of five and later studied composition with Roger Sessions at Princeton University. Helps' early compositions were influenced by the works of Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg, but he later developed his own unique style that blended elements of serialism, tonality, and improvisation. He was also a virtuoso pianist and often performed his own works in concert. In 1955, Helps won the prestigious Naumburg Award for his piano playing, which helped to launch his career as a performer and composer. He went on to perform with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Helps' compositions were often characterized by their complex harmonies and intricate rhythms. He was particularly interested in exploring the possibilities of the piano as a solo instrument, and many of his works were written for solo piano or piano and chamber ensemble. One of Helps' most famous works is his Piano Concerto No. 2, which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1968. The concerto is a virtuosic tour-de-force for the soloist, with complex rhythms and harmonies that challenge even the most skilled pianists. Another notable work by Helps is his String Quartet No. 3, which was premiered by the Juilliard String Quartet in 1971. The quartet is a complex and challenging work that showcases Helps' mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create intricate textures with just four instruments. Helps was also known for his collaborations with other composers and performers. He worked closely with the composer Elliott Carter, and the two often performed each other's works in concert. Helps also collaborated with the choreographer Merce Cunningham, creating music for several of his dance productions. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Helps was also a respected teacher. He taught at the New England Conservatory of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School, among others. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as composers and performers in their own right. Helps continued to compose and perform until his death in 2001. His legacy as a composer and pianist continues to be celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.

More....