Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1901

Death

:

1980

 

Ernst Schiffman was a German-American composer and conductor who was born on August 25, 1915, in Berlin, Germany. He was the son of a Jewish family and grew up in a musical household. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged their son's musical talents from an early age. Schiffman began his formal music education at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik, where he studied composition with Franz Schreker and conducting with Fritz Busch. However, his studies were interrupted by the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, and he was forced to flee the country in 1933. Schiffman emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City, where he continued his music studies at the Juilliard School. He studied composition with Bernard Wagenaar and conducting with Albert Stoessel. He also studied privately with the composer Aaron Copland, who became a mentor and friend. In 1941, Schiffman was drafted into the United States Army and served as a bandmaster during World War II. After the war, he returned to New York City and began his career as a composer and conductor. Schiffman's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic vitality. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and folk music. His compositions include orchestral works, chamber music, choral music, and songs. One of Schiffman's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1951. The symphony is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Schiffman's experiences as a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Another notable work by Schiffman is his String Quartet No. 2, which was premiered by the Juilliard String Quartet in 1953. The quartet is a complex and challenging work that showcases Schiffman's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create intricate textures and harmonies. Schiffman also wrote a number of works for chorus and orchestra, including his oratorio The Book of Job, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1962. The oratorio is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of suffering, faith, and redemption. In addition to his work as a composer, Schiffman was also a respected conductor. He served as the music director of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra from 1958 to 1967 and the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra from 1967 to 1977. He also conducted many other orchestras and ensembles throughout his career. Schiffman was a dedicated teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He taught composition and conducting at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Yale School of Music. He also served as a guest lecturer and conductor at many other institutions throughout the United States and Europe. Ernst Schiffman died on December 23, 1996, in New York City. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and powerful music that continues to inspire and move audiences today. His music reflects his deep humanity, his love of life, and his unwavering faith in the power of music to bring people together and heal the soul.

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