Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1950

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

Nils Vigeland is a renowned American composer and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1950, in New York City, Vigeland grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Richard Vigeland, was a composer and conductor, while his mother, Ruth Vigeland, was a pianist. This musical background played a significant role in shaping Vigeland's interest in music from a young age. Vigeland began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later went on to study composition with his father and other notable composers such as Morton Feldman, Earle Brown, and John Cage. He also studied piano with Dorothy Taubman, a renowned pianist and pedagogue. In 1972, Vigeland received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He then went on to pursue his Master of Music degree at Yale University, where he studied with Jacob Druckman and Martin Bresnick. After completing his studies, Vigeland began his career as a composer and pianist, performing and presenting his works in various venues across the United States and Europe. Vigeland's compositions are known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including classical music, jazz, and world music. His works often feature intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. One of Vigeland's most notable works is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered in 1985 by the American Composers Orchestra. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the solo piano, featuring intricate passagework and complex harmonies. It has been performed by numerous orchestras and pianists around the world, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Another significant work by Vigeland is his String Quartet No. 2, which was premiered in 1992 by the Kronos Quartet. The quartet is a haunting and atmospheric work that explores the expressive possibilities of the string quartet. It has been praised for its innovative use of extended techniques and unconventional harmonies. In addition to his compositions, Vigeland is also an accomplished pianist. He has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with a wide range of musicians and ensembles. He has recorded several albums of his own works, as well as works by other composers. Vigeland has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1990, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study with various composers and musicians. He has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Vigeland is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at various institutions, including Columbia University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School. He is currently a professor of music at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. In conclusion, Nils Vigeland is a highly respected composer and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his generation.

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