Role

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Composer Conductor

Birth

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1940 in Santa Monica, CA

 

Howard Hersh is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1951 in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Hersh began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. After completing his studies, Hersh began his career as a composer, writing music for a variety of ensembles and soloists. His early works were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, and he experimented with unconventional forms and techniques. However, over time, Hersh developed a more personal style that blended elements of classical, jazz, and world music. One of Hersh's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony and premiered in 1995. 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, titled "Birth," is a celebration of new beginnings and features a lively, rhythmic theme. The second movement, "Love," is a tender and romantic piece that showcases Hersh's gift for melody. The third movement, "War," is a powerful and dramatic work that reflects on the destructive nature of conflict. The final movement, "Rebirth," is a hopeful and uplifting piece that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Another notable work by Hersh is his Piano Concerto, which was written for the pianist Ursula Oppens and premiered in 2001. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases both the technical and expressive abilities of the soloist. It is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the piano's sound and capabilities. The first movement, titled "Rhapsody," is a free-flowing and improvisational piece that allows the soloist to showcase their improvisational skills. The second movement, "Ballade," is a lyrical and introspective work that features a haunting melody. The final movement, "Toccata," is a fast-paced and energetic piece that showcases the soloist's technical abilities. In addition to his orchestral works, Hersh has also written a number of chamber music pieces. One of his most notable chamber works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered in 1990. The quartet is a complex and challenging work that showcases Hersh's skill at writing for string instruments. It is divided into four movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the quartet's sound and capabilities. The first movement, titled "Prelude," is a slow and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "Scherzo," is a fast-paced and playful piece that features intricate rhythms and harmonies. The third movement, "Elegy," is a mournful and reflective work that features a haunting melody. The final movement, "Finale," is a lively and energetic piece that brings the quartet to a thrilling conclusion. Throughout his career, Hersh has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 1996, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to continue his work on his Symphony No. 1.

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