Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

May 24, 1954 in Boston, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Robert Beaser was an American composer who was born on August 29, 1954, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Beaser began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and bass. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition with Gunther Schuller and Luciano Berio. Beaser's early works were influenced by the minimalist and serialist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. However, he soon developed his own unique style, which blended elements of classical, jazz, and folk music. His music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic complexity. One of Beaser's most famous works is his "Mountain Songs" for voice and guitar. The piece was inspired by traditional Appalachian folk songs and features six movements, each based on a different folk tune. The work has been performed by many prominent musicians, including soprano Dawn Upshaw and guitarist Eliot Fisk. Another notable work by Beaser is his "Guitar Concerto," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 1986. The piece features a solo guitar accompanied by a full orchestra and showcases Beaser's skill at blending classical and folk music styles. The concerto has been performed by many renowned guitarists, including Sharon Isbin and Manuel Barrueco. Beaser also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his "Souvenirs" for flute, harp, and guitar and his "Variations for Flute and Piano." These pieces demonstrate Beaser's ability to create intricate and nuanced textures using a small number of instruments. In addition to his work as a composer, Beaser was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Tanglewood Music Center. He was also the artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra from 2001 to 2010. Beaser received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Rome Prize, and a Grammy nomination for his "Guitar Concerto." He was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2007. Sadly, Robert Beaser passed away on March 12, 2019, at the age of 64. However, his legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His music remains a testament to his unique artistic vision and his ability to blend diverse musical styles into a cohesive and compelling whole.

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