Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

July 19, 1920 in Portland, OR

Death

:

January 1, 2018 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Robert Mann was an American violinist and composer who was born on July 19, 1920, in Portland, Oregon. He was the son of Russian immigrants who had settled in the United States. Mann's parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue a career in music from a young age. Mann began playing the violin when he was just six years old, and he quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied with some of the best violin teachers in the country, including Louis Persinger and Ivan Galamian. Mann also attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Peter Mennin. In 1946, Mann co-founded the Juilliard String Quartet, which quickly became one of the most renowned chamber ensembles in the world. The quartet consisted of Mann on violin, Robert Koff on violin, Raphael Hillyer on viola, and Arthur Winograd on cello. The quartet's first performance was at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and they went on to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Festival Hall in London. The Juilliard String Quartet was known for its innovative approach to chamber music, and they were particularly interested in performing contemporary works. They commissioned many new pieces from composers such as Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, and Charles Wuorinen. The quartet also recorded extensively, and their recordings of the Beethoven string quartets are considered some of the best ever made. Mann remained with the Juilliard String Quartet for over 50 years, until his retirement in 1997. During that time, the quartet won numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 1961. They also performed for many notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to his work with the Juilliard String Quartet, Mann was also a prolific composer. He wrote many works for chamber ensembles, including string quartets, and his music was performed by some of the best musicians in the world. Mann's compositions were known for their complexity and technical difficulty, and they were often inspired by his experiences as a performer. Mann was also a respected teacher, and he taught at the Juilliard School for many years. He was known for his rigorous approach to teaching, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in music. Mann was also a mentor to many young composers, and he was known for his willingness to help young musicians develop their skills. Throughout his career, Mann received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1989, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush, and in 1997, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Mann also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the Juilliard School and the New England Conservatory of Music. Mann continued to be active in the music world even after his retirement from the Juilliard String Quartet. He performed as a soloist and chamber musician, and he continued to compose new works. Mann also remained committed to teaching, and he gave masterclasses and workshops around the world. Robert Mann passed away on January 1, 2018, at the age of 97. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in the world of classical music.

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