Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 27, 1938 in Port Chester, NY

Death

:

May 30, 2013

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Elliot del Borgo was an American composer and educator who was born on February 27, 1938, in Port Chester, New York. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional violinist and his mother a pianist. Del Borgo began playing the violin at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and piano. Del Borgo attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, del Borgo studied with Ross Lee Finney, who was a prominent American composer at the time. After completing his studies, del Borgo began his career as a composer and educator. He taught at several universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Kansas, and the University of the Pacific. He also served as the composer-in-residence for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. Del Borgo's compositions were primarily for orchestra, band, and chamber ensembles. He was known for his use of folk melodies and his incorporation of non-Western musical elements into his works. Some of his most notable compositions include "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," "Danza," and "Elegy for a Young American." "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" is a piece for band that was inspired by the poem of the same name by Dylan Thomas. The piece features a solo trumpet that represents the voice of the poet, and the rest of the band represents the emotions and thoughts of the poet's father. The piece is a powerful and emotional tribute to the struggle of life and death. "Danza" is a piece for string orchestra that is based on a traditional Spanish dance. The piece features a lively and energetic rhythm that is characteristic of the dance. The piece has been performed by orchestras around the world and is a popular choice for string ensembles. "Elegy for a Young American" is a piece for band that was written in memory of the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The piece is a somber and reflective tribute to the lives lost in the tragedy. The piece has been performed by many bands and orchestras and has become a staple of the repertoire for patriotic concerts. Del Borgo's contributions to the world of music were recognized with several awards and honors. He was a recipient of the ASCAP Standard Award for his contributions to American music. He was also inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1991. Elliot del Borgo passed away on May 30, 2013, at the age of 75. His legacy lives on through his compositions and the many students he taught throughout his career. He was a talented composer and educator who left a lasting impact on the world of music.

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