Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 5, 1947 in Crystal Falls, MI

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

David Ott is an American composer of classical music who was born on June 6, 1947, in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Ott began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. He attended the University of Oregon, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and a Master of Music degree in conducting. Ott's early compositions were influenced by the works of composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein. He also drew inspiration from jazz and popular music. In 1970, Ott won the BMI Student Composer Award for his composition "Symphony No. 1." This recognition helped launch his career as a composer. Throughout his career, Ott has composed works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. He has also written music for film and television. One of his most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1987. The symphony is a tribute to the American West and features themes inspired by the landscape and culture of the region. Another notable work by Ott is his Concerto for Two Cellos, which was commissioned by the Seattle Symphony and premiered in 1991. The concerto features two solo cellos and an orchestra and is known for its lyrical melodies and virtuosic cello writing. Ott has also composed several operas, including The Widow's Lantern, which premiered in 2003. In addition to his work as a composer, Ott has also been a respected conductor. He has conducted orchestras throughout the United States and has served as the music director of several ensembles, including the Eugene Symphony and the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. Ott's music has been praised for its accessibility and emotional depth. His compositions often feature lush harmonies and memorable melodies, and he is known for his ability to write music that connects with audiences. His works have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In conclusion, David Ott is a highly respected composer of classical music who has made significant contributions to the genre. His works are known for their accessibility and emotional depth, and he has been recognized for his ability to connect with audiences. Ott's career has spanned several decades, and his music continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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