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Composer  

 

David M. Gordon was a renowned classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1950, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Gordon showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Gordon's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons and soon started composing his own music. By the age of 12, he had already written several pieces for the piano, which he performed at local concerts. Gordon's musical education continued at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition under the tutelage of renowned composers such as Milton Babbitt and Elliott Carter. He also studied piano with Rosina Lhevinne and chamber music with Felix Galimir. During his time at Juilliard, Gordon's compositions began to gain recognition. In 1972, he won the BMI Student Composer Award for his piece "String Quartet No. 1." This was followed by several other awards and commissions, including a commission from the New York Philharmonic for his piece "Symphony No. 1." Gordon's music was known for its complexity and intellectual depth. He was heavily influenced by the serialist movement in music, which emphasized the use of tone rows and other mathematical structures in composition. However, Gordon also incorporated elements of jazz and other popular music genres into his work, creating a unique and eclectic style. One of Gordon's most famous works is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1980. The piece is known for its virtuosic piano writing and intricate orchestration, and has been performed by many of the world's leading pianists. Another notable work by Gordon is his "String Quartet No. 2," which was commissioned by the Emerson String Quartet in 1987. The piece is a complex and challenging work, featuring intricate counterpoint and unconventional harmonies. Throughout his career, Gordon continued to receive commissions and awards for his work. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He also served as a professor of music at Columbia University and the University of California, San Diego. Sadly, Gordon's life was cut short when he passed away on August 12, 1996, at the age of 46. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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