Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1935

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Eric Richards was a renowned classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1950, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Richards showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He was a prodigious talent and quickly became proficient in playing the piano. Richards attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition under the tutelage of some of the most prominent composers of the time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1972 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the same institution. During his time at Juilliard, Richards was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and genres, which greatly influenced his own compositions. He was particularly drawn to the works of the great classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as the modernist composers of the 20th century such as Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and Bartok. Richards' early compositions were heavily influenced by the modernist style, with their complex harmonies and dissonant sounds. However, as he matured as a composer, he began to incorporate more traditional elements into his works, such as tonality and melody. One of Richards' most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 1980. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Richards' mastery of orchestration and his ability to create complex and intricate musical textures. The symphony was well-received by critics and audiences alike and established Richards as a major force in the world of classical music. Another notable work by Richards is his Piano Concerto, which was composed in 1985. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases the pianist's technical abilities and musicality. The concerto has been performed by some of the world's leading pianists and has become a staple of the classical piano repertoire. In addition to his orchestral and piano works, Richards also composed a number of chamber music works, including string quartets, sonatas, and trios. These works showcase Richards' ability to create intimate and expressive musical works that are well-suited for smaller ensembles. Throughout his career, Richards was recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1992 for his Symphony No. 2. He was also a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, which is often referred to as the "genius grant." Richards continued to compose music until his death in 2008 at the age of 58. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

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