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Composer  

 

William Price was a renowned American composer of classical music, born on October 4, 1955, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the son of a music teacher and a church organist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Price's parents encouraged him to pursue music, and he began playing the piano at the age of five. He showed a natural talent for music, and his parents enrolled him in music lessons. Price's musical education began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1977. He then went on to study at the Yale School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1979. Price continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1986. Price's early compositions were influenced by the music of Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber. His works were characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of folk and jazz elements. Price's music was also influenced by his Southern roots, and he often incorporated elements of Southern folk music into his compositions. One of Price's early works, "Symphony No. 1," was premiered by the North Carolina Symphony in 1983. The symphony was well-received and established Price as a promising young composer. Price's other early works included "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra" and "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra." In the 1990s, Price's music began to gain wider recognition. His works were performed by major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Price's "Symphony No. 3," which was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was premiered in 1996 and received critical acclaim. Price's music continued to evolve in the 2000s. He began to incorporate more experimental elements into his compositions, including electronic music and improvisation. Price's "Symphony No. 4," which was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2008, was a departure from his earlier works. The symphony featured electronic music and improvisation, and was praised for its innovative approach. Price's later works included "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 2010, and "Symphony No. 5," which was premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2014. Price's music continued to receive critical acclaim, and he was widely regarded as one of the leading composers of his generation. In addition to his work as a composer, Price was also a respected music educator. He taught at Duke University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of California, Berkeley. Price was known for his dedication to his students, and many of his former students went on to have successful careers in music. Tragically, William Price passed away on July 16, 2021, at the age of 65. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, and he will be remembered as a talented composer and a dedicated educator. Price's music will continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

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