Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

January 19, 1945 in Fresno, CA

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Keyboard

 

Charles Amirkhanian is a renowned American composer, sound artist, and producer who has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Born on January 19, 1945, in Fresno, California, Amirkhanian grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to classical music from an early age. Amirkhanian began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano and violin. He later attended Fresno State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He then went on to study composition at the University of California, Davis, where he received a Master of Arts degree in music. During his time at UC Davis, Amirkhanian became interested in experimental music and began exploring new techniques and approaches to composition. He was particularly drawn to the work of John Cage, Morton Feldman, and other avant-garde composers who were pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music. In the early 1970s, Amirkhanian became involved with the San Francisco-based record label, 1750 Arch Records, which specialized in experimental and avant-garde music. He served as the label's artistic director and produced numerous recordings of contemporary classical music, including works by Cage, Feldman, and other leading composers of the time. Amirkhanian's own compositions are characterized by their innovative use of sound and unconventional approaches to musical form. He has created works for a variety of instruments and ensembles, including electronic music, choral music, and works for solo instruments. One of Amirkhanian's most notable works is "Walking Tune," a piece for solo piano that was inspired by the sound of footsteps. The piece features a repetitive, rhythmic pattern that mimics the sound of someone walking, and it has been performed by numerous pianists around the world. Another significant work by Amirkhanian is "Mental Radio," a piece for voice and electronics that was inspired by the writings of the psychic researcher Upton Sinclair. The piece features a spoken text that is manipulated and processed using electronic effects, creating a haunting and otherworldly sound. In addition to his work as a composer, Amirkhanian has also been active as a sound artist and producer. He has created numerous sound installations and performances that explore the relationship between sound and space, and he has produced recordings for a variety of artists and ensembles. Throughout his career, Amirkhanian has been recognized for his contributions to contemporary classical music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and a Prix Italia award for his radio work. Today, Amirkhanian continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of contemporary classical music. His innovative and experimental approach to composition has inspired countless musicians and composers, and his work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sound and music.

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