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Composer

 

Jascha Narveson is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1979 in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Narveson began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and drums. He attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division and later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Narveson's early compositions were influenced by his love of rock and electronic music, but he later became interested in contemporary classical music. He earned a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Columbia University. His teachers included Martin Bresnick, David Lang, and Tristan Murail. Narveson's compositions are known for their use of electronics and unconventional instrumentation. He often incorporates found objects and everyday sounds into his works, such as the sound of a washing machine or a toy piano. His music has been described as "playful" and "quirky," with a focus on texture and timbre. One of Narveson's most well-known works is "The Low End," a piece for bass clarinet and electronics. The piece was commissioned by the International Contemporary Ensemble and premiered in 2010. It features the bass clarinet playing long, sustained notes while the electronics create a pulsing, rhythmic accompaniment. The piece has been praised for its use of space and its exploration of the lower register of the bass clarinet. Another notable work by Narveson is "The Music of Proof," a multimedia piece that combines live music with video and animation. The piece was commissioned by the American Mathematical Society and premiered in 2013. It explores the relationship between music and mathematics, with the video and animation showing mathematical equations and visualizations while the music plays. Narveson has also composed several works for dance, including "The Language of the Future" for the New York City Ballet's Choreographic Institute and "The Last Glass" for the Mark Morris Dance Group. His music has been performed by ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. In addition to his work as a composer, Narveson is also a professor of music at Brooklyn College. He has taught courses on composition, electronic music, and music technology. He has also been a guest lecturer at several universities and music festivals, including the University of Michigan and the Bang on a Can Summer Festival. Overall, Jascha Narveson is a unique and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His use of electronics and unconventional instrumentation has helped to push the boundaries of what is possible in classical music, and his playful and quirky style has won him many fans and admirers. With his continued work as a composer and educator, Narveson is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of music for many years to come.

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