Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

October 14, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Anthony Iannaccone is an American composer of classical music who was born on March 12, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a musical family, with his father playing the accordion and his mother singing in the church choir. Iannaccone began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. Iannaccone attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied composition with Ludmila Ulehla and Vittorio Giannini. He later earned a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Bernard Rogers. During his time at Eastman, Iannaccone was awarded the prestigious Louis Lane Prize for his Symphony No. 1. Iannaccone's early works were heavily influenced by the serialist techniques of composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. However, he later moved away from serialism and began to incorporate more tonal elements into his music. His compositions are known for their lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and colorful orchestration. One of Iannaccone's most well-known works is his Symphony No. 3, subtitled "Symphony of Sorrows." The piece was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1990 under the direction of Mstislav Rostropovich. The symphony is a deeply emotional work that explores themes of loss and grief. It is scored for a large orchestra and features a prominent role for the solo cello. Another notable work by Iannaccone is his Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra. The piece was commissioned by the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet and premiered in 1997 with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the saxophone quartet, with each member of the ensemble taking turns as soloist. Iannaccone has also written a number of works for wind ensemble, including his "After a Gentle Rain" and "Divertimento for Band." His music for wind ensemble is characterized by its rhythmic energy and colorful orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Iannaccone has also been a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. He has taught at a number of institutions, including the Eastman School of Music, the University of North Texas, and the Juilliard School. Many of his former students have gone on to successful careers as composers and performers. Throughout his career, Iannaccone has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of classical music. In 2000, he was awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Academy Award in Music. He has also been the recipient of grants and commissions from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Fromm Music Foundation. Today, Iannaccone continues to compose and teach. His music is performed regularly by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he remains a respected figure in the world of classical music.

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