Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1936

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Frederick Lesemann was a renowned American composer of classical music. He was born on December 22, 1937, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Lesemann was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Lesemann's musical education began at the Juilliard School, where he studied piano and composition. He later continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. Lesemann's early works were heavily influenced by the serialist movement, which was popular in the mid-20th century. However, he later moved away from this style and began incorporating more tonal elements into his compositions. His music is characterized by its lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and harmonic complexity. One of Lesemann's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1972. The symphony is in three movements and features a large orchestra, including a full complement of percussion instruments. The work is notable for its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as its dramatic contrasts between loud and soft passages. Another notable work by Lesemann is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1980. The concerto is in three movements and features a solo piano accompanied by a large orchestra. The work is notable for its virtuosic piano writing and its use of jazz and blues elements. Lesemann also wrote a number of chamber works, including a String Quartet and a Sonata for Violin and Piano. These works are characterized by their intricate counterpoint and their use of complex harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Lesemann was also a respected music educator. He taught at the University of Michigan, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Southern California. He was also a frequent guest lecturer and conductor at universities and music festivals throughout the United States. Lesemann's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Frederick Lesemann passed away on December 31, 2014, at the age of 77. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

More....