Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

September 5, 1940 in Miami, FL

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Lewis Spratlan is an American composer who was born on March 12, 1940, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a violinist. Spratlan began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1961. He then went on to study at the Yale School of Music, where he received a Master of Music degree in 1963. Spratlan's early compositions were influenced by the serialism and atonality of the mid-20th century. However, he later moved away from these styles and began incorporating more tonal elements into his music. His works often feature complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as a wide range of instrumental colors. One of Spratlan's most notable works is his opera "Life is a Dream," which was commissioned by the Santa Fe Opera and premiered in 2010. The opera is based on the play of the same name by Spanish playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca. It tells the story of a prince who is imprisoned by his father and later released, only to question whether his newfound freedom is real or just a dream. The opera received critical acclaim for its inventive score and powerful performances. Another notable work by Spratlan is his "Concerto for Two Trumpets and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1999. The concerto features two solo trumpets, which engage in a lively dialogue with each other and the orchestra. The work showcases Spratlan's skill at creating intricate textures and rhythms, as well as his ability to write for brass instruments. In addition to his larger works, Spratlan has also composed numerous chamber music pieces, including "String Quartet No. 2" and "Variations for Solo Piano." His music has been performed by many leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. Throughout his career, Spratlan has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions. In 2000, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Music for his work "Life is a Dream." He has also received grants and fellowships from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. Despite his many accolades, Spratlan remains committed to exploring new musical ideas and pushing the boundaries of classical music. His works continue to be performed and admired by audiences around the world, cementing his place as one of America's most innovative and influential composers.

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