Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

August 17, 1961 in Warren, OH

 

Robert Owens was an American classical music composer, born on March 18, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist. Owens began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. Owens attended the University of Michigan, where he studied composition with Ross Lee Finney and earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1949. He then went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1951. After completing his studies, Owens began his career as a composer and pianist. He performed as a soloist and chamber musician, and his compositions were performed by various orchestras and ensembles. Owens was also a professor of music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1957 to 1990. Owens' music is characterized by its use of traditional forms and structures, combined with modern harmonies and rhythms. His compositions often feature complex polyphony and intricate textures, and he was known for his skillful use of counterpoint. One of Owens' most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1964. The symphony is in four movements and features a wide range of musical styles, from the lyrical and expressive to the energetic and rhythmic. The work was well-received by critics and established Owens as a major figure in American classical music. Another notable work by Owens is his Piano Sonata No. 2, which was composed in 1955. The sonata is in three movements and showcases Owens' virtuosic piano writing. The work is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, and it has become a staple of the piano repertoire. Owens also composed a number of vocal works, including his Three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra, which were premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1960. The songs are based on poems by Emily Dickinson and feature Owens' characteristic use of intricate textures and harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Owens was also a respected music educator. He was a professor of music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for over 30 years and was known for his dedication to his students. Many of his former students have gone on to successful careers in music, and Owens' influence can be seen in their work. Throughout his career, Owens received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to American classical music. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award, among others. Robert Owens passed away on June 6, 2017, at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential compositions, as well as a generation of students who were inspired by his passion for music. Owens' contributions to American classical music will continue to be celebrated and studied for years to come.

More....