Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Ireland

Birth

:

1917 in Wexford, Ireland

Death

:

1985

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Thomas C. Kelly was a renowned American composer of classical music. He was born on October 14, 1931, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Kelly was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Kelly's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1953. He continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1955. After completing his studies, Kelly began his career as a composer. He was known for his unique style, which blended traditional classical music with modern techniques. His compositions were often characterized by their complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as their use of electronic instruments. One of Kelly's early works was his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1956. The piece was well-received and helped establish Kelly as a rising star in the classical music world. He went on to compose several other symphonies, including Symphony No. 2, which premiered in 1960, and Symphony No. 3, which premiered in 1965. In addition to his symphonies, Kelly also composed several concertos for various instruments. One of his most famous works was his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1962. The piece was performed by several renowned pianists, including Vladimir Horowitz and Van Cliburn. Kelly also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1, which premiered in 1958. The piece was praised for its intricate harmonies and use of dissonance. Throughout his career, Kelly was also known for his collaborations with other artists. He worked with several choreographers, including Martha Graham and George Balanchine, to create music for ballets. He also collaborated with several filmmakers, including Stanley Kubrick, to create music for movies. One of Kelly's most famous collaborations was with the poet Robert Frost. In 1959, Kelly composed a song cycle based on Frost's poetry, which was performed by the baritone John Shirley-Quirk. The piece was well-received and helped establish Kelly as a composer of vocal music. Kelly continued to compose music throughout his life, and his works were performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. He received several awards and honors for his contributions to classical music, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1962 and a Pulitzer Prize in 1965. Kelly died on January 1, 2012, at the age of 80. His legacy as a composer of classical music lives on, and his works continue to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences alike.

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