Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

June 29, 1924 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

February 28, 2015 in New Haven, CT

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Ezra Laderman was an American composer of classical music, born on June 29, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, and his father was a tailor. Laderman grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged his interest in music from an early age. He began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. Laderman attended Brooklyn College, where he studied composition with Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. He also studied at the Juilliard School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1949 and a Master of Music degree in 1950. While at Juilliard, Laderman studied with Vincent Persichetti, who became a major influence on his music. After completing his studies, Laderman began his career as a composer and educator. He taught at Sarah Lawrence College, the State University of New York at Purchase, and the Yale School of Music. He also served as the dean of the Yale School of Music from 1989 to 1995. Laderman's music is characterized by its complexity and emotional depth. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and traditional Jewish music. His compositions often feature intricate rhythms and harmonies, as well as a strong sense of melody. One of Laderman's most famous works is his Symphony No. 3, which was commissioned by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in 1977. The symphony is divided into three movements and features a wide range of musical styles, including jazz and rock. The work was well-received by critics and helped establish Laderman as one of the leading composers of his generation. Another notable work by Laderman is his opera Marilyn, which premiered at the New York City Opera in 1993. The opera tells the story of Marilyn Monroe's life and features a libretto by Norman Rosten. The work was praised for its emotional depth and powerful music. Laderman also composed a number of chamber works, including his String Quartet No. 4, which was commissioned by the Emerson String Quartet in 1991. The work is characterized by its intricate rhythms and complex harmonies, and has become a staple of the string quartet repertoire. In addition to his work as a composer, Laderman was also a respected educator. He was known for his dedication to his students and his commitment to promoting contemporary classical music. Many of his former students have gone on to become successful composers and performers in their own right. Laderman received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Scholarship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Laderman continued to compose music well into his later years, and his work remained popular with audiences and critics alike. He passed away on February 28, 2015, at the age of 90. His legacy as one of the leading composers of his generation continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

More....