Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1943 in New Bedford, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

David Maslanka was an American composer of classical music, born on August 30, 1943, in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a clarinetist and his mother a pianist. Maslanka began playing the clarinet at a young age and later studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1966. After completing his undergraduate studies, Maslanka went on to earn a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University in 1968 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1976. During this time, he studied composition with notable composers such as H. Owen Reed, Warren Benson, and Joseph Schwantner. Maslanka's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s, but he later developed a more tonal and expressive style. His music often features rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate counterpoint, and is known for its emotional depth and spiritual themes. One of Maslanka's most famous works is his Symphony No. 4, which was commissioned by the University of Arizona Wind Ensemble in 1992. The symphony is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of life, death, and transcendence. It has been performed by numerous orchestras and wind ensembles around the world and is considered one of Maslanka's masterpieces. Another notable work by Maslanka is his Symphony No. 5, which was commissioned by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band in 1993. The symphony is a tribute to the victims of the 1995 Kobe earthquake and features a hauntingly beautiful melody that is repeated throughout the work. The symphony has been performed by many orchestras and wind ensembles and is considered one of Maslanka's most emotional and powerful works. Maslanka also wrote several works for solo instruments, including his Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, which is considered one of the most important works in the saxophone repertoire. The sonata is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases the saxophone's range and versatility. In addition to his work as a composer, Maslanka was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at several universities throughout his career, including the State University of New York at Geneseo, Sarah Lawrence College, and Kingsborough Community College. He was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for music education. David Maslanka passed away on August 6, 2017, at the age of 73. He left behind a legacy of powerful and emotional music that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. His music is a testament to the power of art to express the deepest emotions and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

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