Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1951 in Yakima, WA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Bryan Johanson is a renowned American classical music composer, guitarist, and educator. He was born on August 18, 1951, in Portland, Oregon, USA. Johanson grew up in a musical family, and his father was a jazz pianist. He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and was soon drawn to classical music. He attended the University of Oregon, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in guitar performance in 1973. He then went on to study composition at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1976. Johanson's early compositions were influenced by the minimalist music of Steve Reich and Philip Glass. He was also inspired by the music of J.S. Bach, which he studied extensively. Johanson's music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, rhythmic complexity, and use of extended techniques on the guitar. Johanson's first major composition was his Guitar Concerto, which he wrote in 1980. The concerto was premiered by the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, with Johanson as the soloist. The piece was well-received and established Johanson as a composer to watch in the classical music world. In 1982, Johanson joined the faculty of Portland State University, where he taught composition and guitar. He remained on the faculty for over 30 years, mentoring countless students and helping to establish the university's music program as one of the best in the region. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Johanson continued to compose prolifically, writing works for solo guitar, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His music was performed by some of the world's leading musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. One of Johanson's most famous works is his Suite for Guitar, which he wrote in 1987. The suite is a collection of six short pieces, each inspired by a different dance form. The suite has become a staple of the classical guitar repertoire and has been recorded by numerous guitarists. Johanson's music is known for its accessibility and emotional depth. He often draws on his own life experiences for inspiration, and his music is infused with a sense of personal meaning and reflection. His works are also notable for their technical virtuosity, with many pieces featuring complex rhythms and intricate counterpoint. In addition to his work as a composer, Johanson is also an accomplished guitarist. He has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. He is known for his expressive playing style and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of his compositions. Johanson has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer and educator. In 1995, he was awarded the Oregon Governor's Arts Award for his contributions to the arts in the state. He has also been recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Endowment for the Arts. Today, Johanson continues to compose and perform, and his music remains an important part of the classical music canon. He has inspired countless musicians and composers with his innovative approach to composition and his dedication to the art of classical music.

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