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Composer  

 

William Allaudin Mathieu is a renowned American composer, pianist, and teacher who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 23, 1937, in Texarkana, Texas, Mathieu grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Mathieu started playing the piano at the age of five and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Mathieu's family moved to Los Angeles when he was ten years old, and he continued his music education there. He studied piano with Lillian Steuber and composition with Leonard Stein, both of whom were associated with the renowned composer Arnold Schoenberg. Mathieu also studied jazz with pianist and composer Lennie Tristano, who had a significant influence on his musical style. In 1957, Mathieu enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied composition with Roy Harris and Lukas Foss. He also studied electronic music with Richard Maxfield and worked as a pianist and arranger for various jazz and pop groups. Mathieu graduated from UCLA in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. After completing his studies, Mathieu moved to New York City, where he became involved in the avant-garde music scene. He worked as a pianist and composer for dance companies, including the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and the Judson Dance Theater. Mathieu also collaborated with other experimental composers, such as John Cage and Morton Feldman. In the 1970s, Mathieu began to focus on his own compositions, which blended elements of classical, jazz, and world music. He developed a unique approach to composition, which he called "Harmonic Experience." This approach emphasizes the use of natural harmonics and the exploration of the harmonic series, which Mathieu believes is the foundation of all music. Mathieu's most famous work is probably his opera "The Alien," which premiered in 1983 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The opera tells the story of an extraterrestrial who comes to Earth and experiences human emotions for the first time. The music is a blend of classical and jazz styles, with a libretto by poet Robert Kelly. Mathieu has also composed numerous other works, including chamber music, orchestral pieces, and solo piano works. Some of his notable compositions include "The Listening Book," a collection of piano pieces that explore different aspects of listening, and "The Musical Life," a suite for piano and orchestra that celebrates the joys of making music. In addition to his work as a composer, Mathieu has also been a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several universities, including the California Institute of the Arts, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has also written several books on music, including "Harmonic Experience," which outlines his approach to composition and improvisation. Mathieu's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant and far-reaching. His innovative approach to composition has inspired countless musicians and composers, and his dedication to teaching has helped to shape the next generation of musicians. Today, Mathieu continues to compose and perform, and his music remains a testament to the power of creativity and imagination.

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