Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 4, 1896 in Omaha, NE

Death

:

August 13, 1987 in Perham, MN

 

Keith Parmeter Latey was a British classical music composer who was born on August 12, 1939, in London, England. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a pianist and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Latey began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and composition with his father. He later attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition with Alan Bush and piano with Harold Craxton. He also studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult and Sir John Barbirolli. Latey's early compositions were influenced by the music of the Second Viennese School, particularly the works of Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. He was also influenced by the music of Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok. His early works were characterized by their use of serialism and atonality. In the 1960s, Latey began to experiment with new forms and techniques, incorporating elements of jazz and rock music into his compositions. He also began to explore the use of electronic music, incorporating synthesizers and other electronic instruments into his works. One of Latey's most notable works from this period is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered in 1968. The symphony is a large-scale work that incorporates elements of jazz and rock music, as well as electronic music. It is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, and its innovative use of electronic instruments. Latey continued to experiment with new forms and techniques throughout his career, incorporating elements of world music and other genres into his compositions. He also wrote music for film and television, including the score for the 1971 film "The Raging Moon." Latey's later works were characterized by their use of tonality and traditional forms, as well as their incorporation of elements of popular music. One of his most notable works from this period is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered in 1992. The concerto is a virtuosic work that incorporates elements of jazz and rock music, as well as traditional classical forms. Latey's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1998 for his services to music. Latey died on December 12, 2009, at the age of 70. He is remembered as a pioneering composer who pushed the boundaries of classical music and incorporated elements of popular music and electronic music into his works. His innovative approach to composition continues to inspire musicians and composers today.

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