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John Eaton was a renowned American composer, pianist, and musicologist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on March 30, 1935, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Eaton grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer and his mother was a pianist, which inspired him to pursue a career in music. Eaton began his musical education at an early age, studying piano with his mother and later with renowned pianist Rudolf Serkin. He also studied composition with George Rochberg at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1957. Eaton continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with Roger Sessions and earned his Master of Music degree in 1960. Throughout his career, Eaton was known for his innovative approach to music composition and his ability to blend different musical styles and genres. He was particularly interested in microtonal music, which uses intervals smaller than the traditional half-step used in Western music. Eaton's interest in microtonal music led him to develop his own system of notation, which he called the "Alpha-notation" system. Eaton's compositions were performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Sinfonietta. He also collaborated with a number of prominent musicians, including pianist Ursula Oppens and conductor Leonard Slatkin. One of Eaton's most notable works is his opera "The Cry of Clytaemnestra," which premiered at the American Music Theater Festival in 1980. The opera, which is based on the Greek myth of Clytemnestra, was praised for its innovative use of microtonal music and its powerful emotional impact. In addition to his work as a composer, Eaton was also a respected musicologist and scholar. He wrote extensively on a wide range of musical topics, including microtonal music, the music of Charles Ives, and the history of American music. He also served as a professor of music at a number of institutions, including the University of Chicago, Indiana University, and the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Eaton received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1986, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to continue his research on microtonal music. He was also a recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Composer's Fellowship, and the American Music Center's Letter of Distinction. Eaton's legacy in the world of classical music is significant. His innovative approach to composition and his contributions to the study of microtonal music have had a lasting impact on the field. He passed away on December 2, 2015, but his music and scholarship continue to inspire and influence musicians and scholars around the world.

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