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Composer

 

Allan Lau was a classical music composer born on May 12, 1965, in Hong Kong. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. From a young age, Lau showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the violin and the cello, and by the age of ten, he had already composed his first piece of music. Lau's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He attended the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where he studied composition under the guidance of renowned composer Chan Wing-wah. Lau's early works were heavily influenced by Western classical music, particularly the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. In 1985, Lau moved to the United States to further his studies in music. He enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Milton Babbitt and Elliott Carter. During his time at Juilliard, Lau was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and electronic music. This exposure had a significant impact on his later works, which incorporated elements of these genres. Lau's early compositions were characterized by their complexity and technical virtuosity. His works often featured intricate polyphonic textures and unconventional harmonic progressions. One of his most notable early works is his Piano Sonata No. 1, which was composed in 1987. The piece is a tour de force of pianistic technique, featuring rapid-fire arpeggios and complex rhythmic patterns. In the 1990s, Lau's style began to evolve. He began to incorporate more tonal elements into his music, and his works became more accessible to a wider audience. One of his most popular works from this period is his String Quartet No. 1, which was composed in 1993. The piece is a lyrical and expressive work that showcases Lau's gift for melody and his ability to create rich harmonic textures. Lau's later works continued to explore new musical territories. He began to incorporate electronic elements into his music, using synthesizers and computer-generated sounds to create new sonic textures. One of his most experimental works is his Symphony No. 3, which was composed in 2005. The piece features a large orchestra, as well as electronic sounds and samples. The work is a bold and innovative exploration of the possibilities of orchestral music in the 21st century. Throughout his career, Lau received numerous awards and accolades for his work. In 1998, he was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for Music Composition, which allowed him to travel and study music in Europe and Asia. In 2003, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his Symphony No. 2, which was hailed as a masterpiece of contemporary classical music. Lau's legacy as a composer is one of innovation and experimentation. His works pushed the boundaries of classical music, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music into his compositions. His music is characterized by its technical virtuosity, rich harmonic textures, and expressive melodies. Allan Lau passed away on June 15, 2010, but his music continues to inspire and influence composers around the world.

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