Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1947 in Detroit, MI

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Paul Schoenfield is an American composer who was born on August 24, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Schoenfield began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study at the University of Michigan, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in music composition. Schoenfield's early works were heavily influenced by jazz and popular music, but he later turned to classical music and became known for his unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. His compositions are characterized by their rhythmic complexity, melodic inventiveness, and use of unconventional instruments. One of Schoenfield's most famous works is his Four Parables for Piano and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra in 1983. The piece is a set of four short movements, each based on a different parable from the Bible. The music is highly rhythmic and features a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and classical. Another notable work by Schoenfield is his Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano, which was commissioned by the Verdehr Trio in 1990. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for all three instruments and features a wide range of musical styles, including klezmer, jazz, and classical. The Trio has become one of Schoenfield's most popular works and has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. Schoenfield's music has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Grammy nomination. In addition to his work as a composer, Schoenfield is also an accomplished pianist and has performed his own music in concert. He has also taught composition at the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona. Overall, Paul Schoenfield is a highly respected and influential composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles has earned him a devoted following and has helped to expand the boundaries of classical music.

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