Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 1, 1933

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

István Láng was a Hungarian composer who was born on January 1, 1933, in Budapest, Hungary. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist. Láng began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Láng studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where he was a student of Zoltán Kodály. Kodály was a major influence on Láng's music, and he incorporated many of Kodály's ideas into his own compositions. Láng also studied with Ferenc Farkas, who was another important Hungarian composer. Láng's early works were influenced by Hungarian folk music, and he often used folk melodies and rhythms in his compositions. He also experimented with different forms and techniques, such as serialism and aleatoric music. One of Láng's most famous works is his Concerto for Orchestra, which was composed in 1963. The piece is a showcase for the different sections of the orchestra, and it features complex rhythms and harmonies. The Concerto for Orchestra has been performed by many orchestras around the world and is considered one of Láng's masterpieces. Another important work by Láng is his String Quartet No. 2, which was composed in 1972. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and it features haunting melodies and dissonant harmonies. The String Quartet No. 2 has been performed by many string quartets and is considered one of Láng's most powerful works. Láng also composed several works for choir, including his Missa Brevis, which was composed in 1980. The piece is a setting of the Catholic Mass, and it features lush harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The Missa Brevis has been performed by many choirs around the world and is considered one of Láng's most beautiful works. In addition to his compositions, Láng was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest for many years and was a mentor to many young composers. Láng was also a member of the Hungarian Academy of Arts and Sciences and received many awards for his contributions to music. Láng died on December 12, 2011, in Budapest, Hungary. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative music that continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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