Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1948

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Allen Shawn is a renowned American composer, pianist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 5, 1948, in New York City, Allen Shawn was the son of William Shawn, the legendary editor of The New Yorker, and Cecille Lyon, a writer and editor. Growing up in a family of intellectuals, Allen Shawn was exposed to the world of literature, art, and music from a young age, which played a significant role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. Allen Shawn began his musical journey at the age of seven when he started taking piano lessons. He showed exceptional talent and dedication towards music, and by the age of 12, he had already composed his first piece of music. Allen Shawn continued to hone his skills as a pianist and composer throughout his teenage years, and in 1966, he enrolled at Harvard University to study music composition. At Harvard, Allen Shawn studied under the tutelage of eminent composers such as Leon Kirchner, Earl Kim, and Roger Sessions. He also had the opportunity to work with renowned pianists such as Leonard Shure and Robert Levin, which helped him develop his skills as a pianist. During his time at Harvard, Allen Shawn composed several works, including his first string quartet, which was premiered by the Juilliard String Quartet in 1970. After completing his studies at Harvard, Allen Shawn went on to pursue a career as a composer and pianist. He has composed works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. Some of his most notable works include his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1984, and his String Quartet No. 2, which was commissioned by the Emerson String Quartet in 1995. In addition to his work as a composer, Allen Shawn has also had a successful career as a pianist. He has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the violinist Joshua Bell. Allen Shawn has also been an active educator throughout his career. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Bennington College, Columbia University, and the New England Conservatory of Music. He has also written several books on music, including his memoir, "Wish I Could Be There: Notes from a Phobic Life," which was published in 2007. Despite his success as a composer and pianist, Allen Shawn has faced several challenges throughout his life. He has struggled with anxiety and phobias since childhood, which have often made it difficult for him to perform and compose. However, he has been open about his struggles and has used his experiences to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. In conclusion, Allen Shawn is a highly accomplished composer, pianist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works have been performed by some of the world's most renowned musicians, and his dedication to music education has inspired countless students. Despite facing personal challenges, Allen Shawn has continued to create beautiful music and has left a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

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