Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 26, 1924 in Detroit, MI

Death

:

October 6, 2005

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Warren Benson was an American composer and percussionist who was born on February 26, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Benson began playing the drums at a young age and later studied percussion at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. After completing his studies, Benson served in the United States Army during World War II. He played in the Army band and also served as a percussion instructor. After the war, Benson returned to the Eastman School of Music to complete his degree in composition. Benson's early compositions were influenced by jazz and popular music, but he later turned to more traditional classical forms. He was particularly interested in the music of the Baroque period and often incorporated elements of Baroque music into his compositions. One of Benson's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1969. The symphony is a tribute to the city of Detroit and its history, and it incorporates elements of jazz and blues music. The work was well-received and helped to establish Benson as a major composer. Benson also wrote a number of works for percussion, including his Concertino for Timpani and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1970. The work is a virtuosic showcase for the timpani and has become a staple of the percussion repertoire. In addition to his work as a composer, Benson was also a respected educator. He taught at the Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, and the University of Michigan. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students. Benson's later works were often more introspective and reflective. He was particularly interested in the concept of time and how it is perceived in music. His final work, the String Quartet No. 5, was completed shortly before his death in 2005. The work is a meditation on the passage of time and features a hauntingly beautiful melody that is repeated throughout the piece. Throughout his career, Benson was recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1977 for his composition The Leaves Are Falling. He was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1985. Warren Benson's music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world. His innovative approach to composition and his dedication to teaching have had a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

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