Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

January 6, 1920 in Dinuba, CA

Death

:

November 19, 1998 in Cambridge, MA

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Earl Kim was a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on November 22, 1920, in Dinuba, California, Kim grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist. Kim began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Kim's family moved to Los Angeles when he was a child, and he continued his musical education there. He studied piano with Lillian Steuber and composition with Ernst Toch at the University of Southern California. After completing his undergraduate degree, Kim went on to study composition with Aaron Copland at Tanglewood and later with Paul Hindemith at Yale University. Kim's early works were heavily influenced by Hindemith's neoclassical style, but he soon developed his own unique voice. His music was characterized by its intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional instruments. Kim was also known for his use of text in his compositions, often setting poetry or prose to music. One of Kim's most famous works is his opera "The Trial of Lucullus," which premiered in 1971. The opera tells the story of the Roman general Lucullus, who is put on trial by the gods for his excesses. The opera features a large cast of characters and incorporates elements of ancient Greek drama. "The Trial of Lucullus" was well-received by critics and helped establish Kim as a major figure in contemporary opera. Another notable work by Kim is his "Three Poems in French," which sets poems by Baudelaire, Rimbaud, and Verlaine to music. The piece is scored for soprano and chamber ensemble and showcases Kim's skill at setting text to music. The work has been performed by many prominent musicians and is considered a classic of contemporary vocal music. Kim's other works include numerous chamber pieces, orchestral works, and vocal compositions. He was also a respected teacher of composition, having taught at Harvard University, Princeton University, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Throughout his career, Kim received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, and the National Endowment for the Arts Composer's Grant. In 1994, he was awarded the American Music Center's Letter of Distinction for his lifetime of achievement in music. Earl Kim passed away on November 19, 1998, at the age of 77. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. Kim's innovative approach to composition and his use of text in his works have influenced many contemporary composers and helped shape the direction of classical music in the 20th century.

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