Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1961

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

David Dramm is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on October 12, 1961, in Urbana, Illinois. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Dramm began playing the guitar at the age of 10 and later studied composition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 1984, Dramm moved to Amsterdam, where he studied composition with Louis Andriessen at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. He also became involved in the Dutch new music scene, performing with groups such as the Nieuw Ensemble and the Amsterdam Electric Guitar Orchestra. Dramm's early works were influenced by minimalism and rock music, but he later developed a more eclectic style that incorporates elements of jazz, pop, and world music. His compositions often feature unconventional instrumentation, such as electric guitars, synthesizers, and percussion. One of Dramm's most notable works is his opera "Hard Weather Makes Good Wood," which premiered in 1998 at the Holland Festival. The opera is based on the life of the American folk artist Howard Finster and features a libretto by the American poet Robert Creeley. The music combines elements of blues, gospel, and folk music, and the production includes projections of Finster's artwork. Another significant work by Dramm is his "Concerto for Electric Guitar and Ensemble," which was commissioned by the Nieuw Ensemble and premiered in 2001. The concerto features a solo electric guitar accompanied by a chamber ensemble, and the music combines elements of rock, jazz, and classical music. Dramm has also composed numerous works for dance, including collaborations with choreographers such as Krisztina de Châtel and Emio Greco. His music for dance often features driving rhythms and repetitive patterns, reflecting his background in rock music. In addition to his work as a composer, Dramm is also an active performer and improviser. He has performed with numerous ensembles and musicians, including the Dutch jazz pianist Michiel Borstlap and the American composer and saxophonist John Zorn. Dramm's music has been performed by ensembles and orchestras around the world, including the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble, the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize in 2000 and the Amsterdam Prize for the Arts in 2011. Overall, David Dramm is a versatile and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the contemporary classical music scene. His eclectic style and unconventional instrumentation have helped to expand the boundaries of classical music and bring new audiences to the genre.

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