Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 5, 1917 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

August 15, 1985 in Bryn Athyn, PA

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Richard Yardumian was an American composer of Armenian descent, born on December 5, 1917, in New Britain, Connecticut. He was the son of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. Yardumian's parents were both musicians, and they encouraged their son's musical interests from an early age. Yardumian began his musical studies at the age of six, learning to play the piano and violin. He later studied composition with the renowned composer Paul Hindemith at Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1940. After completing his studies, Yardumian served in the United States Army during World War II, where he worked as a composer and arranger for the Army Air Forces Band. After the war, Yardumian returned to the United States and began his career as a composer. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style, which blended elements of Armenian folk music with Western classical music. His early works, such as his Symphony No. 1 and his Piano Concerto, were well-received by critics and audiences alike. In 1950, Yardumian was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study with some of the leading composers of the time, including Igor Stravinsky and Darius Milhaud. This experience had a profound impact on Yardumian's music, and he began to incorporate more modernist elements into his compositions. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Yardumian continued to compose prolifically, producing a wide range of works in various genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral music. Some of his most notable works from this period include his Symphony No. 2, his Violin Concerto, and his String Quartet No. 2. Yardumian's music was characterized by its rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and intricate rhythms. He often drew inspiration from Armenian folk music, incorporating traditional melodies and rhythms into his compositions. At the same time, he was also influenced by the modernist composers he had studied with in Europe, and his music often featured complex harmonies and unconventional forms. In addition to his work as a composer, Yardumian was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of Arizona, the University of Michigan, and the University of Maryland. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to reach their full potential as musicians. Yardumian's music continued to be performed and recorded throughout his lifetime and beyond. His Symphony No. 1 was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Antal Dorati, and his Symphony No. 2 was recorded by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Howard Mitchell. His music has also been performed by many other leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. Richard Yardumian passed away on August 28, 1985, at the age of 67. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. His unique blend of Armenian folk music and Western classical music has earned him a place among the most important American composers of the 20th century.

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