Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 11, 1926 in Latta, SC

Death

:

September 30, 2021 in Tallahassee, FL

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Opera

 

Carlisle Floyd is an American composer of classical music, known for his operas and vocal works. He was born on June 11, 1926, in Latta, South Carolina, to a musical family. His father was a church choir director and his mother was a pianist. Floyd began playing the piano at a young age and showed an early interest in music. Floyd attended Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he studied piano and composition. He later earned a master's degree in composition from Syracuse University in New York. During his time at Syracuse, Floyd studied with the composer Ernst Bacon, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Floyd's early works were primarily instrumental pieces, including a piano sonata and a string quartet. However, he soon turned his attention to vocal music, particularly opera. His first opera, Slow Dusk, premiered in 1949 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The opera tells the story of a young couple who are forced to confront their feelings for each other when they are stranded in a deserted cabin during a snowstorm. Floyd's next opera, The Sojourner and Mollie Sinclair, premiered in 1954 and was based on a short story by Eudora Welty. The opera tells the story of a young couple who are separated by the Civil War and must navigate the challenges of their new lives. The opera was praised for its lyrical score and emotional depth. Floyd's most famous opera, Susannah, premiered in 1955 and has since become a staple of the American opera repertoire. The opera tells the story of a young woman who is falsely accused of promiscuity by the members of her small Tennessee town. The opera explores themes of prejudice, hypocrisy, and the power of community. The opera's score is characterized by its use of Appalachian folk music and its powerful arias. Floyd continued to compose operas throughout his career, including Of Mice and Men (1970), based on the novel by John Steinbeck, and Cold Sassy Tree (2000), based on the novel by Olive Ann Burns. He also composed a number of vocal works, including song cycles and choral pieces. Floyd's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, emotional depth, and use of American folk music. His operas in particular are known for their powerful storytelling and exploration of complex themes. Floyd's work has been performed by opera companies and orchestras around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to American music. In addition to his work as a composer, Floyd was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at Florida State University for many years and was a beloved figure in the music community. He passed away on September 30, 2021, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music and inspiring teaching.

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