Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1947

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Richard Brodhead was an American composer and pianist who was born on August 4, 1947, in New Haven, Connecticut. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Brodhead began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Brodhead attended Yale University, where he studied music composition with Jacob Druckman and electronic music with Bulent Arel. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 and went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music in 1971. Brodhead's early compositions were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the works of John Cage and Morton Feldman. He was also interested in electronic music and experimented with tape manipulation and other electronic techniques in his compositions. One of Brodhead's early works, "Three Pieces for Piano," was premiered by pianist Ursula Oppens in 1972. The pieces were characterized by their sparse textures and use of extended techniques, such as playing inside the piano. In the 1980s, Brodhead's style began to shift towards a more tonal and lyrical approach. He was particularly drawn to the music of the Romantic era, and his compositions began to incorporate more traditional harmonies and melodies. One of Brodhead's most well-known works is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in 1987. The concerto is characterized by its lush harmonies and virtuosic piano writing. It has been performed by numerous orchestras and pianists around the world. Brodhead also wrote several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Arditti Quartet in 1990. The quartet is notable for its complex rhythms and use of microtonal intervals. In addition to his work as a composer, Brodhead was also an accomplished pianist. He frequently performed his own works and was known for his sensitive and expressive playing. Brodhead taught music composition at Yale University from 1971 until his retirement in 2012. He was a beloved teacher and mentor to many young composers, and his influence can be heard in the work of his many students. Brodhead passed away on December 22, 2018, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of innovative and expressive music, as well as a generation of composers who were inspired by his teaching and mentorship.

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