Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

May 15, 1956 in Oceanside, NY

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Ricky Ian Gordon is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style that blends classical and popular music. He was born on May 15, 1956, in Oceanside, New York, to a Jewish family. His parents were both musicians, and his father was a cantor in a synagogue. Growing up, Gordon was exposed to a wide range of music, including classical, jazz, and Broadway show tunes. Gordon began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he studied music composition. After graduating, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early 1980s, Gordon began working as a composer for the theater. He wrote music for several off-Broadway productions, including "The Family Room" and "Jack's Holiday." In 1985, he composed the music for the Broadway musical "M. Butterfly," which was a critical and commercial success. Gordon's success in the theater led to opportunities to compose music for film and television. He wrote the score for the 1990 film "The Chocolate War" and the theme song for the television series "Sesame Street." In the 1990s, Gordon began to focus more on composing classical music. He wrote several pieces for orchestra, including "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" and "The Grapes of Wrath." He also composed several song cycles, including "Green Sneakers" and "Only Heaven." Gordon's music is known for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. He often draws inspiration from his own life experiences, as well as from literature and poetry. His music has been described as "intensely personal" and "hauntingly beautiful." One of Gordon's most famous works is the song cycle "Orpheus and Euridice," which he composed in 2005. The piece is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus, who travels to the underworld to rescue his wife Euridice. The music is haunting and emotional, and the lyrics are based on poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. Another notable work by Gordon is the opera "The Grapes of Wrath," which he composed in 2007. The opera is based on the novel by John Steinbeck and tells the story of a family of farmers who are forced to leave their home during the Great Depression. The music is powerful and evocative, capturing the struggles and hardships of the characters. In addition to his work as a composer, Gordon is also a respected teacher and mentor. He has taught at several universities, including the Yale School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. He has also mentored many young composers and musicians, helping to shape the future of classical music. Overall, Ricky Ian Gordon is a talented and versatile composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His music is deeply emotional and has touched the hearts of audiences around the world. He continues to compose and inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.

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