Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 27, 1899 in Dawson City, AK

Death

:

March 12, 1961 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Band

 

Robert M. Crawford was an American composer and conductor who was born on May 25, 1925, in New York City. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Crawford began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition and conducting. After graduating from Juilliard, Crawford began his career as a composer and conductor. He worked with several orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also served as the music director of the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. Crawford's music was heavily influenced by the classical composers of the past, particularly Bach and Beethoven. He was known for his use of counterpoint and his ability to create complex harmonies. His compositions were often described as being both intellectual and emotional, with a strong sense of drama and tension. One of Crawford's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1952. The symphony is a complex and challenging work, with intricate rhythms and harmonies. It was well-received by critics and established Crawford as a major composer. In addition to his symphonies, Crawford also composed several operas, including The Trial of Mary Dugan and The Death of Klinghoffer. The latter opera, which was based on the hijacking of the Achille Lauro cruise ship in 1985, was controversial due to its portrayal of the Palestinian hijackers. However, it was also praised for its powerful music and emotional impact. Crawford was also a respected conductor, known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He conducted several recordings of his own works, as well as those of other composers. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Bach and Beethoven. Throughout his career, Crawford received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1962 for his Symphony No. 2. He also received several honorary degrees from universities around the world. Crawford continued to compose and conduct until his death in 2012 at the age of 87. His legacy as a composer and conductor continues to be celebrated by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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