Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

September 9, 1941 in Walla Walla, WA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Curtis Curtis-Smith was an American composer and pianist who was born on June 7, 1941, in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a violinist. Curtis-Smith began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1963 and his Master of Music degree in 1964. After completing his studies, Curtis-Smith began his career as a composer and pianist. He taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Alabama, and the University of Illinois. He also performed as a pianist, both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. Curtis-Smith's music is known for its eclectic style, which draws on a wide range of influences, including jazz, rock, and classical music. His compositions often feature complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as unconventional instrumentation. Some of his most notable works include "Rhapsodies," a series of pieces for solo piano, and "Contours," a piece for orchestra. One of Curtis-Smith's most famous works is "Etudes for Piano," a collection of 12 pieces that he composed between 1977 and 1980. The etudes are known for their technical difficulty and their innovative use of the piano as an instrument. Each etude explores a different aspect of piano technique, such as arpeggios, octaves, and trills. Another notable work by Curtis-Smith is "Rhapsodies," a series of pieces for solo piano that he composed between 1984 and 1990. The rhapsodies are characterized by their virtuosic piano writing and their use of jazz and rock influences. Each rhapsody is named after a different city, such as "Rhapsody in Blue" (New York) and "Rhapsody in Red" (Moscow). Curtis-Smith also composed several works for orchestra, including "Contours," which he composed in 1982. The piece is known for its complex rhythms and its use of unconventional instrumentation, such as the marimba and the vibraphone. "Contours" has been performed by several orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a composer, Curtis-Smith was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of Michigan, the University of Alabama, and the University of Illinois. He was known for his dedication to his students and his willingness to help them develop their own unique voices as composers. Curtis Curtis-Smith passed away on December 10, 2014, at the age of 73. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential music, as well as a generation of students who were inspired by his teaching and mentorship. His music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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