Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 30, 1924

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Milko Kelemen was a Croatian composer and conductor who was born on March 30, 1924, in Podravska Slatina, Croatia. He was one of the most prominent composers of the 20th century, known for his innovative and experimental approach to music. Kelemen's music was characterized by its complexity, dissonance, and use of unconventional techniques. Kelemen's interest in music began at an early age. He started playing the piano when he was just six years old and later learned to play the violin and the viola. Kelemen studied music at the Zagreb Academy of Music, where he was taught by the renowned Croatian composer Blagoje Bersa. He graduated in 1949 and went on to study composition with Boris Blacher in Berlin. Kelemen's early works were influenced by the neoclassical style of composers such as Stravinsky and Hindemith. However, he soon began to experiment with new techniques and sounds, incorporating elements of serialism and aleatoric music into his compositions. Kelemen's music was often characterized by its use of unconventional instruments, such as the prepared piano and the glass harmonica. One of Kelemen's most significant works is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1954. The symphony is a complex and challenging work that showcases Kelemen's innovative approach to music. It features a large orchestra and incorporates elements of serialism and aleatoric music. The symphony was well-received by critics and established Kelemen as one of the leading composers of his generation. Kelemen's other notable works include his Concerto for Orchestra, which he composed in 1958. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases the individual talents of each section of the orchestra. It features complex rhythms and intricate harmonies, and is considered one of Kelemen's most challenging works. In addition to his work as a composer, Kelemen was also a respected conductor. He conducted many of his own works, as well as those of other composers. Kelemen was particularly interested in promoting the music of his fellow Croatian composers, and he conducted many premieres of their works. Kelemen's music was performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Croatian State Award for Music in 1993. Kelemen continued to compose and conduct until his death on March 8, 2018, at the age of 93. His legacy as one of the most innovative and influential composers of the 20th century lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....