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Composer

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Avant-Garde

 

 

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Linda Dusman is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1956 in New York City. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a jazz musician. Dusman began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and bass. She attended the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition. Dusman's early compositions were influenced by the minimalist music of composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass. However, she soon began to develop her own unique style, which incorporates elements of electronic music, improvisation, and experimental techniques. Her works often explore themes related to social justice, feminism, and environmentalism. One of Dusman's most notable works is her 1993 composition "The Secret Life of Birds," which was commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a multimedia work that combines live music with video projections of birds in their natural habitats. The music is inspired by the sounds of birdsong and incorporates electronic sounds and improvisation. "The Secret Life of Birds" has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world and has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to combining music and visual art. Another significant work by Dusman is her 2005 composition "The Yellow Wind," which was inspired by the writings of Israeli author David Grossman. The piece is a chamber work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, and explores themes related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The music is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing and harmonics, and its incorporation of Middle Eastern musical elements. "The Yellow Wind" has been performed by numerous ensembles and has been praised for its emotional depth and political relevance. In addition to her work as a composer, Dusman is also a professor of music at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She has been recognized for her contributions to music education and has received numerous awards and grants for her work as a composer. Dusman continues to compose new works and is considered one of the leading figures in contemporary classical music.

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