Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

April 13, 1938 in Westfield, MA

Death

:

June 26, 2021 in Montiano, Italy

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Keyboard

 

Frederic Rzewski is a renowned American composer and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 13, 1938, in Westfield, Massachusetts, Rzewski grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Wincenty Rzewski, was a violinist, and his mother, Jeanette Kempton, was a pianist. Rzewski's parents were both of Polish descent, and they instilled in him a love for music from an early age. Rzewski began his musical education at the age of five, studying piano with his mother. He later studied with Walter Piston at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960. He then went on to study with Luigi Dallapiccola in Italy and with Elliott Carter and Roger Sessions at the Juilliard School in New York. Rzewski's early works were influenced by the serialism of his teachers, but he soon began to develop his own unique style. His music is characterized by its political and social themes, as well as its use of improvisation and extended techniques. One of Rzewski's most famous works is "The People United Will Never Be Defeated!" This piece is a set of variations on the Chilean protest song "¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!" and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary piano music. The piece was written in 1975 and has been performed by many of the world's leading pianists. Another notable work by Rzewski is "Coming Together," which was written in 1971. This piece is based on a letter written by Sam Melville, a political activist who was killed in the Attica prison riot. The text of the letter is spoken by a narrator while the music builds in intensity, creating a powerful and emotional experience for the listener. Rzewski has also written a number of works for chamber ensembles, including "Les Moutons de Panurge" for any number of instruments, "Attica" for amplified ensemble, and "North American Ballads" for violin and piano. These works showcase Rzewski's ability to create complex and challenging music that is also emotionally engaging. In addition to his work as a composer, Rzewski is also an accomplished pianist. He has performed around the world, both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Beethoven, Schubert, and Chopin. Rzewski has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship, and the Elise L. Stoeger Prize from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of Illinois. In conclusion, Frederic Rzewski is a highly respected composer and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His music is characterized by its political and social themes, as well as its use of improvisation and extended techniques. His most famous work, "The People United Will Never Be Defeated!", is a masterpiece of contemporary piano music, and his other works for chamber ensembles showcase his ability to create complex and emotionally engaging music. Rzewski's career has been marked by numerous awards and honors, and his legacy as a composer and performer will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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