Role

:

Composer  

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Richard Roblee was an American composer and pianist who was born on December 22, 1946, in New York City. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Roblee began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Roblee attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Vincent Persichetti and piano with Rosina Lhevinne. He also studied at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado, where he worked with composers such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Roblee's early compositions were influenced by the serialism and atonality of the mid-20th century avant-garde. However, he later moved away from this style and began incorporating more tonal elements into his music. His compositions often featured complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as a strong sense of melody. One of Roblee's most notable works is his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1976. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with intricate passagework and rapid-fire runs. The piece also features a lush orchestral accompaniment, with sweeping strings and brass fanfares. Another significant work by Roblee is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1982. The symphony is a large-scale work in four movements, with each movement exploring a different mood and musical idea. The piece features a wide range of orchestral colors and textures, from delicate woodwind solos to thunderous percussion. In addition to his orchestral works, Roblee also composed a number of chamber music pieces. One of his most popular chamber works is his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1978. The quartet is a tightly constructed work in three movements, with each movement showcasing a different aspect of the string quartet's sound. Roblee was also an accomplished pianist and often performed his own works in concert. He was known for his technical prowess and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of his compositions. Throughout his career, Roblee received numerous awards and honors for his compositions. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award. His works were performed by major orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Sadly, Richard Roblee passed away on December 31, 1993, at the age of 47. However, his legacy as a composer and pianist lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences alike.

More....