Role

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Composer Performer

Country

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United States of America

Birth

:

1958

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Roger Kleier is a renowned American composer and guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on September 5, 1956, in New York City, Kleier grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. This musical environment had a profound impact on Kleier's early development, and he began playing the guitar at the age of 12. Kleier's early musical influences were diverse, ranging from rock and roll to jazz and classical music. He studied classical guitar with renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin and later attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied composition with John Corigliano and David Del Tredici. Kleier's early compositions were heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, which was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. His works often featured repetitive patterns and simple harmonic structures, but with a unique twist that set them apart from other minimalist composers. One of his early works, "The Gristle of Knuckles," was written for electric guitar and percussion and showcased Kleier's innovative approach to composition. In the 1990s, Kleier began to incorporate more complex harmonic structures and melodic lines into his compositions. He also began to experiment with different instrumentation, including electronic and computer-generated sounds. One of his most notable works from this period is "The Night Has Many Hours," a piece for electric guitar and string quartet that showcases Kleier's ability to blend different musical styles and genres. Kleier's music has been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles and musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including choreographers, filmmakers, and visual artists. In addition to his work as a composer, Kleier is also an accomplished guitarist. He has performed with a variety of bands and ensembles, including the Lounge Lizards, John Zorn's Cobra, and the Fred Frith Guitar Quartet. His guitar playing is characterized by its technical virtuosity and its ability to blend different musical styles and genres. Kleier's most recent works continue to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music. His 2019 album, "The World of Objects," features a collection of pieces for electric guitar and electronics that showcase his unique approach to composition and performance. The album has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its innovative use of technology and its ability to create a sonic landscape that is both complex and accessible. Overall, Roger Kleier is a composer and guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His innovative approach to composition and performance has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting and original voices in the field. With a career spanning over four decades, Kleier continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in music, and his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians and composers.

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