Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

January 16, 1882 in Poznarí, Prussia

Death

:

October 11, 1961 in Berlin, Germany

 

Joseph Kromolicki was a classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1925, in Warsaw, Poland. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Kromolicki showed a great interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Kromolicki's family moved to Paris in 1933, where he continued his musical education. He studied piano with Marguerite Long and composition with Nadia Boulanger. Boulanger was a highly respected teacher who had taught many famous composers, including Aaron Copland and Philip Glass. In 1940, Kromolicki and his family fled Paris as the Germans invaded. They eventually settled in New York City, where Kromolicki continued his musical studies at the Juilliard School. He studied composition with Bernard Wagenaar and piano with Rosina Lhévinne. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Kromolicki began his career as a composer. He wrote music for films, television, and the concert hall. His music was often characterized by its lyricism and emotional depth. One of Kromolicki's most famous works is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which he composed in 1952. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with sweeping melodies and intricate passagework. It has been performed by many of the world's leading pianists, including Vladimir Horowitz and Martha Argerich. Another notable work by Kromolicki is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1956. The symphony is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Kromolicki's experiences as a refugee and immigrant. It has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Kromolicki also wrote music for films and television. He composed the score for the 1962 film "The Miracle Worker," which tells the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The score was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. In addition to his work as a composer, Kromolicki was also a respected teacher. He taught composition at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, where he had studied as a young man. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as composers and performers. Kromolicki continued to compose music throughout his life, even as he battled health problems. He died on December 29, 2000, at the age of 75. His legacy as a composer and teacher lives on through his music and the many students he inspired.

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