Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

October 23, 1945 in Jersey City, NJ

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Maury Yeston is a renowned American composer and lyricist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 23, 1945, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Yeston grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a doctor who played the piano, and his mother was a singer who performed in local musicals. Yeston's parents encouraged him to pursue his musical interests, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of seven. As a child, Yeston was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and Broadway. He was particularly drawn to the works of composers such as George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim. Yeston attended Yale University, where he studied music theory and composition. He also became involved in the university's theater program, writing music for several productions. After graduating from Yale, Yeston moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He worked as a pianist and arranger for various Broadway shows, including "Nine" and "Grand Hotel." In 1982, Yeston wrote the music and lyrics for his first Broadway musical, "Nine," which was based on the life of Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Yeston continued to write music for Broadway shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1989, he wrote the music and lyrics for "Grand Hotel," which was based on the novel by Vicki Baum. The show received mixed reviews but was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, winning five. Yeston's other Broadway credits include "Titanic," which won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, and "Death Takes a Holiday," which was nominated for 11 Drama Desk Awards. In addition to his work in musical theater, Yeston has also written music for film and television. He wrote the score for the 1997 animated film "Anastasia," which was nominated for two Academy Awards. Yeston has also written music for several television shows, including "Cop Rock" and "The Simpsons." Yeston's music is known for its lush melodies, complex harmonies, and sophisticated lyrics. He often draws inspiration from classical music, incorporating elements of opera and art song into his compositions. Yeston's music is also characterized by its emotional depth and sensitivity, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. One of Yeston's most famous works is "Nine," which has been performed around the world and adapted into a film starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The show's score features several memorable songs, including "Be Italian," "Unusual Way," and "My Husband Makes Movies." Yeston's other notable works include "Titanic," which features the haunting ballad "Still," and "Death Takes a Holiday," which includes the poignant duet "More and More." Yeston's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Tony Awards, he has received several Drama Desk Awards, a Grammy Award, and an Academy Award nomination. Yeston is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Today, Yeston continues to write music and inspire audiences around the world. His works have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and opera companies, and his legacy as a composer and lyricist is secure.

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