Role

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Composer

Birth

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1925 in Steubenville, OH

 

Donald Waxman was an American composer and pianist, born on December 4, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Russian immigrants who had a great love for music. Waxman's parents were not professional musicians, but they encouraged their son to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Waxman began playing the piano at the age of six and showed great talent from the start. He studied with several renowned teachers, including Isabelle Vengerova, who was a student of Franz Liszt. Waxman also studied composition with Vincent Persichetti at the Juilliard School in New York City. In 1952, Waxman won the prestigious Leventritt Competition, which launched his career as a concert pianist. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Waxman was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. Despite his success as a pianist, Waxman was also a prolific composer. He wrote music for a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, and solo piano pieces. His compositions were often influenced by his love of jazz and his interest in the music of other cultures. One of Waxman's most famous works is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which he composed in 1957. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with fast runs and intricate passages that require great technical skill. The piece also features lush orchestration and a memorable melody that has made it a favorite among audiences and performers alike. Another notable work by Waxman is his String Quartet No. 2, which he composed in 1963. The quartet is a complex and challenging piece that showcases Waxman's skill as a composer. It features intricate counterpoint and shifting harmonies that create a sense of tension and release. Waxman's music was often characterized by its emotional intensity and its ability to evoke a wide range of moods and feelings. His compositions were also known for their technical complexity and their use of unconventional harmonies and rhythms. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Waxman was also a respected teacher. He taught at several universities, including the University of Southern California and the University of Miami. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as performers and composers. Waxman continued to compose and perform throughout his life, even after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1990s. He remained active in the music world until his death on January 3, 2021, at the age of 88. Donald Waxman was a talented and versatile musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His compositions and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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