Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 22, 1886 in Henderson, KY

Death

:

January 21, 1961 in Wilmette, IL

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

John J. Becker was an American composer who was born on January 22, 1886, in Henderson, Kentucky. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged their children to pursue music. Becker began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and violin with his parents. He also sang in the church choir and played in the local orchestra. In 1904, he enrolled at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition with Frank Van der Stucken and piano with Ernst Kunwald. After graduating from the conservatory in 1908, Becker moved to New York City to pursue a career as a composer. He worked as a freelance composer and arranger, writing music for theater productions, dance companies, and radio programs. He also taught music theory and composition at various schools and universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. Becker's early works were influenced by the Romantic tradition, but he later developed a more modernist style. He was particularly interested in the use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, and he often incorporated elements of jazz and folk music into his compositions. One of Becker's most notable works is his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 1927. The symphony is a four-movement work that features a wide range of musical styles and influences. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic scherzo, while the second movement is a slow and contemplative adagio. The third movement is a lively and playful scherzo, and the final movement is a grand and majestic finale. Another important work by Becker is his String Quartet No. 2, which he composed in 1930. The quartet is a three-movement work that showcases Becker's skill as a composer of chamber music. The first movement is a lively and energetic allegro, while the second movement is a slow and lyrical adagio. The final movement is a lively and rhythmic scherzo that features a virtuosic violin solo. In addition to his symphonies and chamber music, Becker also composed a number of choral works. One of his most famous choral works is his Mass for Mixed Voices, which he composed in 1946. The mass is a four-movement work that features a mix of traditional and modernist elements. The first movement is a solemn and contemplative kyrie, while the second movement is a lively and rhythmic gloria. The third movement is a slow and lyrical sanctus, and the final movement is a grand and majestic agnus dei. Becker continued to compose music throughout his life, and he remained active in the music community until his death in 1961. His music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he is remembered as one of the most important American composers of the 20th century.

More....