Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1910

Death

:

1995

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Walter Mourant was a classical music composer born on May 12, 1896, in Vienna, Austria. 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, Mourant showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Mourant's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking piano lessons with his mother and later studied composition with some of the leading composers of the time, including Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. Mourant's early compositions were heavily influenced by the Second Viennese School, a group of composers who were known for their atonal and dissonant music. However, as he matured as a composer, Mourant began to develop his own unique style, which blended elements of the Second Viennese School with more traditional tonal harmonies. One of Mourant's early works, the Piano Sonata No. 1, was premiered in Vienna in 1920. The piece was well-received by critics and established Mourant as a promising young composer. Over the next few years, he continued to compose and perform his music throughout Europe. In 1925, Mourant moved to the United States, where he quickly established himself as a leading composer and pianist. He began teaching at the Juilliard School in New York City and also performed regularly as a soloist and chamber musician. Mourant's compositions from this period were characterized by their complex harmonies and intricate rhythms. One of his most famous works from this time is the String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered in 1928. The piece is known for its use of polyrhythms and unconventional tonalities. In the 1930s, Mourant's music began to shift towards a more tonal style. He was influenced by the neoclassical movement, which sought to revive the classical forms and structures of the past. One of his most famous works from this period is the Symphony No. 1, which was premiered in 1935. The piece is notable for its use of traditional forms, such as the sonata-allegro and rondo, and its lush orchestration. During World War II, Mourant served in the United States Army as a musician. He composed several works for military bands and also performed for troops stationed overseas. After the war, he returned to his career as a composer and pianist. In the 1950s and 1960s, Mourant's music became more experimental. He was influenced by the avant-garde movement, which sought to push the boundaries of traditional music. One of his most famous works from this period is the Piano Concerto No. 2, which was premiered in 1958. The piece is known for its use of extended techniques, such as prepared piano and aleatoric elements. Mourant continued to compose and perform his music until his death on June 23, 1971. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential compositions that continue to be performed and studied today.

More....