Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

April 21, 1955

 

David Van Tieghem is a renowned American composer, percussionist, and sound designer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 21, 1955, in New Jersey, Van Tieghem grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a painter, which exposed him to different forms of art from a young age. Van Tieghem's interest in music began when he was a child, and he started playing the drums at the age of nine. He was inspired by the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other rock bands of the 1960s. He later studied music at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance. After completing his studies, Van Tieghem moved to New York City, where he began his career as a percussionist. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style of playing, which incorporated a wide range of percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and electronic devices. He also experimented with different techniques, such as playing with his hands and using found objects as instruments. Van Tieghem's breakthrough came in the early 1980s when he collaborated with choreographer Twyla Tharp on several dance productions. He composed music for Tharp's Broadway show "Singin' in the Rain" and performed in her production "The Catherine Wheel." He also worked with other prominent choreographers, including Martha Clarke and Bill T. Jones. In addition to his work in dance, Van Tieghem also composed music for film and television. He worked on the soundtracks for several movies, including "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "Jonathan Demme's Stop Making Sense," a concert film featuring the Talking Heads. He also composed music for television shows, such as "Sesame Street" and "The Cosby Show." Van Tieghem's music is known for its experimental and avant-garde qualities. He often incorporates electronic sounds and samples into his compositions, creating a unique blend of acoustic and electronic music. He has released several albums of his own music, including "These Things Happen," "Safety in Numbers," and "Strange Cargo." Throughout his career, Van Tieghem has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In 1986, he received an Obie Award for his work on the off-Broadway production "The Adding Machine." He also received a Bessie Award for his music in the dance production "The Red Shoes" in 1993. Van Tieghem's work has been featured in several major exhibitions and festivals, including the Venice Biennale, the Whitney Biennial, and the New York Film Festival. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, and Philip Glass. In recent years, Van Tieghem has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, experimenting with new sounds and techniques. He has also become an advocate for music education, working with organizations such as the New York City Department of Education to promote music in schools. In conclusion, David Van Tieghem is a highly influential figure in the world of classical music. His unique style of percussion playing and his innovative approach to composition have earned him a reputation as one of the most creative and forward-thinking musicians of his generation.

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