Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1952

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Perry Goldstein is a renowned American composer of classical music. He was born on August 22, 1952, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Goldstein grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. He showed a natural talent for music and began composing his own pieces when he was just a teenager. Goldstein attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Milton Babbitt and Elliott Carter. He also studied piano with Adele Marcus and chamber music with Felix Galimir. After graduating from Juilliard, Goldstein continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Ph.D. in music composition. Goldstein's music is known for its complexity and sophistication. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including jazz, rock, and world music. His compositions often feature intricate rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and unexpected shifts in tempo and mood. Goldstein's music is also characterized by its emotional depth and expressive power. One of Goldstein's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the San Francisco Symphony in 1987. The symphony is a large-scale work that features a wide range of musical styles and influences. It is divided into four movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience. The first movement, "Birth," is a powerful and dramatic opening that sets the tone for the rest of the symphony. The second movement, "Life," is a lively and energetic section that celebrates the joys of existence. The third movement, "Death," is a somber and reflective piece that explores the mysteries of mortality. The final movement, "Rebirth," is a triumphant and uplifting conclusion that celebrates the cycle of life. Another notable work by Goldstein is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1992. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the solo piano, featuring complex and challenging passages that require great skill and dexterity. The piece is also notable for its use of jazz and rock influences, which give it a unique and contemporary sound. Goldstein has also composed a number of chamber music works, including his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Kronos Quartet in 1985. The quartet is a complex and challenging piece that features intricate rhythms and unconventional harmonies. It is also notable for its use of extended techniques, such as plucking and bowing the strings in unusual ways. In addition to his work as a composer, Goldstein is also a respected music educator. He has taught at a number of institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the Manhattan School of Music. He is known for his innovative and engaging teaching style, which emphasizes creativity and experimentation. Goldstein has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 1986, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel and study music in Europe. He has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2010, he was awarded the Rome Prize, which allowed him to spend a year studying and composing music in Italy. In conclusion, Perry Goldstein is a highly respected and influential composer of classical music.

More....