Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

March 16, 1937 in Cloverdale, CA

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

David Del Tredici is an American composer known for his contributions to the classical music genre. He was born on March 16, 1937, in Cloverdale, California, and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Del Tredici began playing the piano at a young age and showed an early interest in composing music. Del Tredici attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied composition with Seymour Shifrin and Andrew Imbrie. He later earned a master's degree in music from Columbia University, where he studied with Jack Beeson and Otto Luening. During his time at Columbia, Del Tredici became interested in the music of Arnold Schoenberg and the Second Viennese School. In the 1960s, Del Tredici became associated with the New York School of composers, which included John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Earle Brown. He was also influenced by the music of Charles Ives and the American experimental tradition. Del Tredici's early works were characterized by their use of aleatoric techniques and unconventional instrumentation. One of Del Tredici's most famous works is his composition "In Memory of a Summer Day," which was written in 1976. The piece is a tribute to the poet James Merrill, who was a close friend of Del Tredici's. The work is scored for orchestra and features a prominent solo part for the English horn. "In Memory of a Summer Day" is known for its lush harmonies and evocative melodies, which capture the nostalgic mood of the poem. Another notable work by Del Tredici is his "Final Alice" cycle, which was written in the 1970s and 1980s. The cycle is based on Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass" and features soprano soloist and orchestra. The work is known for its use of tonal harmony and its incorporation of popular music styles, such as ragtime and rock. Del Tredici's music has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1980 for "In Memory of a Summer Day." In addition to his work as a composer, Del Tredici has also been a teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He has taught at several universities, including Boston University and the City College of New York. Del Tredici has also been an advocate for the LGBT community and has written several works that address issues of sexuality and identity. David Del Tredici's contributions to the classical music genre have been significant and enduring. His use of tonal harmony and incorporation of popular music styles have helped to expand the boundaries of classical music and make it more accessible to a wider audience. Del Tredici's legacy as a composer and teacher will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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