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Composer

 

Anthony Barfield is a renowned American composer, arranger, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1963, in Houston, Texas, Barfield grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. Barfield started playing the trumpet at the age of nine and later switched to the French horn, which became his primary instrument. Barfield's passion for music led him to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in French horn performance at the University of North Texas. During his time at the university, he studied with renowned horn players such as William Scharnberg and Gregory Hustis. He also had the opportunity to perform with the university's Wind Symphony, which was conducted by Eugene Corporon, a prominent conductor and educator. After completing his undergraduate studies, Barfield went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. There, he studied with composers such as Richard Danielpour, David Del Tredici, and Nils Vigeland. He also had the opportunity to work with renowned conductors such as Leonard Slatkin and Kurt Masur. Barfield's compositions are known for their unique blend of classical, jazz, and world music influences. His works have been performed by numerous orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Some of his most notable works include "Urban Scenes," "Symphony No. 1," and "Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra." "Urban Scenes" is a five-movement work that depicts the sights and sounds of New York City. The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 2002. The first movement, "Morning Rush," captures the frenzied pace of commuters rushing to work. The second movement, "Central Park," is a serene and peaceful depiction of the famous park. The third movement, "Times Square," is a lively and energetic portrayal of the bustling tourist destination. The fourth movement, "Harlem," is a tribute to the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage. The final movement, "Nightlife," captures the vibrant nightlife of the city. "Symphony No. 1" is a three-movement work that was commissioned by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2008. The first movement, "Fanfare," is a bold and majestic opening that sets the tone for the rest of the symphony. The second movement, "Elegy," is a somber and reflective piece that pays tribute to those who have passed away. The final movement, "Dance," is a lively and energetic piece that brings the symphony to a thrilling conclusion. "Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra" is a virtuosic work that showcases the trombone's versatility and range. The piece was commissioned by the Boston Pops and premiered in 2012. The concerto is divided into three movements, with each movement highlighting a different aspect of the trombone's capabilities. The first movement, "Allegro," is a fast-paced and energetic piece that showcases the trombone's agility. The second movement, "Adagio," is a slow and lyrical piece that highlights the trombone's expressive capabilities. The final movement, "Allegro con brio," is a lively and rhythmic piece that showcases the trombone's ability to play in a variety of styles. In addition to his work as a composer, Barfield is also an accomplished arranger and educator.

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