Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1951

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Allen Krantz is a renowned classical music composer and guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1956, Krantz grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Krantz started playing the guitar when he was eight years old, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in public. Krantz attended the Philadelphia Musical Academy, where he studied with the legendary guitarist, Aaron Shearer. He later went on to study with Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Krantz's training with these two great guitarists had a significant impact on his playing style and his approach to music composition. Krantz's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and melodic lines. He draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and folk music. Krantz's music is often described as introspective and reflective, with a focus on the emotional and spiritual aspects of life. One of Krantz's most notable works is his guitar concerto, "The Garden of Love." The concerto was commissioned by the Philadelphia Classical Symphony and premiered in 1995. The piece is a tribute to the English poet William Blake and is based on his poem, "The Garden of Love." The concerto is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is titled "Innocence," the second "Experience," and the third "The Garden of Love." The concerto has been performed by many orchestras around the world and has received critical acclaim for its beauty and complexity. Another significant work by Krantz is his "Sonata for Guitar and Violin." The piece was commissioned by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and premiered in 2001. The sonata is a tribute to the great violinist Jascha Heifetz and is based on his transcription of the Bach Chaconne. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the Bach Chaconne. The sonata has been performed by many guitar and violin duos around the world and has been praised for its technical difficulty and emotional depth. Krantz's other notable works include his "Suite for Guitar and Orchestra," "Three Pieces for Guitar," and "Fantasy for Guitar." His music has been performed by many renowned musicians, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. In addition to his work as a composer, Krantz is also a respected guitar teacher. He has taught at many prestigious institutions, including the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Settlement Music School. Krantz's teaching style is known for its emphasis on technique, musicality, and expression. Krantz has received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowship, and the Philadelphia Music Foundation Award. He has also been a guest artist at many music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival, the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. In conclusion, Allen Krantz is a highly respected composer and guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of music.

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