Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Stephen Perillo was a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on May 12, 1952, in New York City, Perillo showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. His parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Perillo's early musical education was primarily focused on classical piano, and he studied under several renowned teachers, including Rosalyn Tureck and Adele Marcus. He also studied composition at the Juilliard School of Music, where he was mentored by the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Perillo's early compositions were heavily influenced by the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative composer. His first major work, a piano concerto, was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1975, and it received critical acclaim for its originality and technical virtuosity. Over the next few years, Perillo continued to compose a wide range of works, including symphonies, chamber music, and operas. His music was characterized by its complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and use of unconventional instruments and techniques. One of Perillo's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1982. The symphony is a complex and challenging work, featuring a wide range of musical styles and influences. It has been praised for its innovative use of orchestration and its powerful emotional impact. Perillo's other notable works include his opera The Tempest, which was premiered by the Metropolitan Opera in 1991, and his Piano Sonata No. 2, which was premiered by the pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy in 1998. He also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1 and his Wind Quintet. Throughout his career, Perillo received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1986, and he was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1998. Perillo continued to compose music until his death in 2009 at the age of 57. His legacy as a composer and innovator in classical music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

More....