Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1969

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

David Bennett Thomas was an American composer and educator, born on August 22, 1958, in New York City. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Thomas began playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Thomas attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the Juilliard School. During his time at Juilliard, Thomas studied with renowned composers such as Milton Babbitt, Elliott Carter, and Roger Sessions. After completing his studies, Thomas began his career as a composer and educator. He taught at various institutions, including the University of Virginia, the University of Maryland, and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. In addition to his teaching, Thomas also served as the composer-in-residence for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 1996. Thomas's compositions are known for their complexity and use of extended techniques. He often incorporated elements of jazz and popular music into his works, creating a unique and eclectic style. Some of his most notable works include "The Fabric of Time," "The Dream of the Lost Traveller," and "The Birth of Time." "The Fabric of Time" is a large-scale work for orchestra that was commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The piece is divided into three movements, each exploring a different aspect of time. The first movement, "The Past," features a nostalgic melody that is gradually transformed through various harmonic and rhythmic manipulations. The second movement, "The Present," is a frenetic and chaotic depiction of the present moment. The final movement, "The Future," is a hopeful and optimistic look towards the future. "The Dream of the Lost Traveller" is a chamber work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. The piece is inspired by the idea of a traveler who has lost their way and is searching for a path home. The music is characterized by its dreamlike quality, with ethereal melodies and shifting harmonies. "The Birth of Time" is a choral work that was commissioned by the University of Maryland Chorus. The piece is based on a text by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke and explores the idea of the universe being born out of chaos. The music is characterized by its use of extended vocal techniques, including whispering, shouting, and singing without words. In addition to his compositions, Thomas was also a respected educator and mentor. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. Many of his former students have gone on to successful careers as composers and educators. Tragically, David Bennett Thomas passed away on December 23, 2013, at the age of 55. His contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated and his legacy lives on through his music and the many students he inspired.

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