Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1954 in Brooklyn, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Vocal

 

John Musto is a renowned American composer and pianist, known for his contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 17, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, Musto grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. From a young age, Musto showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. Musto's early musical education was primarily focused on classical music. He studied piano with Seymour Lipkin and composition with George Perle at the Manhattan School of Music. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1976. During his time at Juilliard, Musto studied with the likes of Roger Sessions, Jacob Druckman, and Vincent Persichetti. After completing his studies, Musto began his career as a composer and pianist. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style, which blended elements of classical, jazz, and popular music. His compositions were characterized by their lyrical melodies, intricate harmonies, and rhythmic complexity. One of Musto's early successes was his song cycle "Shadow of the Blues," which was premiered in 1985. The cycle, which was based on the poetry of Langston Hughes, was praised for its emotional depth and musical sophistication. It was later recorded by soprano Dawn Upshaw and pianist Gilbert Kalish. Musto's career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He composed a number of works for orchestra, including his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in 1992. He also wrote several chamber works, including his "Piano Trio," which was premiered by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in 1994. In addition to his work as a composer, Musto was also an accomplished pianist. He frequently performed his own works in concert, as well as the works of other composers. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. One of Musto's most significant works is his opera "Volpone," which was premiered in 2004. The opera, which is based on the play by Ben Jonson, tells the story of a wealthy Venetian who feigns illness in order to trick his greedy friends into giving him their fortunes. The opera was praised for its wit, humor, and musical sophistication. It was later recorded by the Wolf Trap Opera Company. Musto's other notable works include his "Suite for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 2005, and his "Divertimento for Orchestra," which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2007. He has also written a number of vocal works, including his "Two Irish Songs," which were premiered by mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and pianist Warren Jones in 2010. Throughout his career, Musto has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. He has been awarded the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Pulitzer Prize in Music. He has also been a recipient of the ASCAP Foundation's Victor Herbert Award and the American Composers Orchestra's Laurel Leaf Award. Today, Musto continues to compose and perform music. He is a professor of composition at the Manhattan School of Music and serves on the board of directors for the American Composers Orchestra.

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