Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

April 12, 1932 in Sofia, Bulgaria

Death

:

December 29, 2013

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Henri Lazarof was a renowned classical music composer who was born on April 12, 1932, in Sofia, Bulgaria. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known conductor and composer. Lazarof began his musical training at a young age, and he showed great promise as a composer from an early age. Lazarof's family moved to Israel when he was a child, and he continued his musical education there. He studied composition with Paul Ben-Haim and conducting with Laszlo Halasz. After completing his studies in Israel, Lazarof moved to the United States to further his education. In the United States, Lazarof studied composition with Luigi Dallapiccola and conducting with Leonard Bernstein. He also studied at the Tanglewood Music Center, where he worked with Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky. Lazarof's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of his native Bulgaria. He incorporated Bulgarian folk melodies and rhythms into his works, creating a unique sound that was both modern and traditional. His early works include "Concerto for Orchestra" and "Symphony No. 1." In the 1960s, Lazarof began to experiment with new techniques and styles. He became interested in electronic music and began to incorporate electronic sounds into his compositions. He also began to explore the use of extended techniques on traditional instruments, such as playing the strings of a piano with a bow. Lazarof's most famous works include "Tableaux for Piano and Orchestra," "Concerto for Viola and Orchestra," and "Symphony No. 2." These works showcase Lazarof's unique style, which combines traditional classical music with modern techniques and sounds. Lazarof was also a prolific composer of chamber music. He wrote numerous works for small ensembles, including string quartets, piano trios, and wind quintets. His chamber music is known for its intricate textures and complex rhythms. In addition to his work as a composer, Lazarof was also a respected conductor. He conducted many of his own works, as well as works by other composers. He was the music director of the Louisville Orchestra from 1967 to 1972 and the Santa Barbara Symphony from 1973 to 1990. Lazarof received many awards and honors throughout his career. He was a Guggenheim Fellow, a recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for his book "The Language of Music." Henri Lazarof passed away on December 3, 2013, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential compositions that continue to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world.

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