Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Robert Frear was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on January 15, 1932, in New York City, United States. Frear was the youngest of three children born to his parents, who were both musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Frear's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Frear began his musical training at the age of six, studying the piano with his mother. He showed a natural aptitude for the instrument and quickly progressed. At the age of ten, he began studying the trumpet, which would become his primary instrument. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1953. After completing his studies, Frear began his professional career as a trumpet player. He played with several orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Vienna Philharmonic. Frear's performances were highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. He was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music. He was particularly noted for his performances of the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. In addition to his performances as a soloist and orchestral player, Frear was also a respected chamber musician. He was a founding member of the American Brass Quintet, which was formed in 1960. The quintet quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and virtuosic playing. Frear remained a member of the quintet until his retirement in 1992. Throughout his career, Frear received numerous awards and honors. In 1964, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He was also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, which is the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. Frear's recordings were also highly regarded. He recorded extensively for the Columbia and RCA labels, and his recordings of the trumpet concertos of Haydn, Hummel, and Mozart are considered definitive interpretations of these works. Despite his success, Frear remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with younger musicians. He was also a passionate advocate for music education and served on the faculty of several universities, including the Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music. Frear retired from performing in 1992 but continued to be active in the music world. He served as a consultant for several orchestras and was a frequent guest lecturer at universities and music festivals. He also continued to mentor young musicians and was a beloved figure in the classical music community. Robert Frear passed away on December 17, 2010, at the age of 78. His legacy as a musician and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians. His virtuosic playing, his dedication to his craft, and his generosity of spirit will always be remembered.

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