Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

Leonard Sharrow was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music through his exceptional skills as a bassoonist. Born on December 23, 1921, in New York City, Sharrow grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which meant that music was an integral part of his upbringing. Sharrow's love for music began at an early age, and he started playing the bassoon when he was just 12 years old. He was a natural talent and quickly became proficient in playing the instrument. He attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he received formal training in music. After completing high school, Sharrow went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music, where he honed his skills as a bassoonist. In 1942, Sharrow joined the United States Army and served in World War II. During his time in the army, he played in the 69th Infantry Division Band and the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra. After the war, Sharrow returned to Juilliard to complete his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1948. Sharrow's career as a professional musician began in 1948 when he joined the New York City Opera Orchestra. He played with the orchestra for two years before joining the New York Philharmonic in 1950. Sharrow played with the Philharmonic for 35 years, during which time he became one of the most respected bassoonists in the world. Sharrow's talent as a bassoonist was recognized early on in his career, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. In 1951, he won the Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. He also won the Prix de Rome in 1952, which allowed him to study in Rome for a year. One of the highlights of Sharrow's career was his performance of Mozart's Bassoon Concerto with the New York Philharmonic in 1954. The performance was widely acclaimed, and Sharrow's interpretation of the concerto was considered one of the best ever recorded. Sharrow was also a prolific recording artist and recorded numerous albums throughout his career. Some of his most notable recordings include Mozart's Bassoon Concerto, Vivaldi's Bassoon Concerto in E minor, and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. In addition to his work with the New York Philharmonic, Sharrow was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Juilliard String Quartet. Sharrow was also a dedicated teacher and taught at the Juilliard School of Music for over 30 years. He was known for his patience and his ability to inspire his students to achieve their full potential. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as professional musicians. Leonard Sharrow passed away on December 9, 2000, at the age of 78. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest bassoonists of all time and a true ambassador for classical music. His contributions to the world of music will be remembered for generations to come.

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