Role

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Composer Conductor

 

Lewis J. Buckley was an American composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 22, 1944, in New York City, Buckley grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Buckley showed a keen interest in music and began playing the trumpet at the age of nine. Buckley's early musical education was primarily focused on jazz. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. After completing his studies, Buckley began his career as a professional musician, playing with various jazz ensembles and big bands. In the 1970s, Buckley began to shift his focus towards classical music. He studied composition with Vincent Persichetti at the Juilliard School and later with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. These experiences helped shape Buckley's unique style, which blended elements of jazz and classical music. Buckley's first major composition was his Symphony No. 1, which he wrote in 1976. The piece was well-received and helped establish Buckley as a serious composer. Over the next few years, Buckley continued to compose orchestral works, including his Symphony No. 2 and his Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Buckley was also an accomplished conductor. He served as the music director of the New York Repertory Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. He also conducted numerous other orchestras and ensembles throughout his career. One of Buckley's most notable works is his Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, which he composed in 1984. The piece was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band and was premiered by saxophonist Eugene Rousseau. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the saxophone, featuring intricate runs and soaring melodies. Another significant work by Buckley is his Symphony No. 3, which he composed in 1990. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the Vietnam War and features a hauntingly beautiful melody that is repeated throughout the work. The symphony was premiered by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and was later performed by numerous other orchestras. Buckley's music is characterized by its unique blend of jazz and classical elements. His compositions often feature complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as lush orchestration. He was also known for his use of unconventional instruments, such as the saxophone and electric guitar, in his orchestral works. Throughout his career, Buckley received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a recipient of the ASCAP Foundation's Morton Gould Award and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2003. He also served as a member of the National Endowment for the Arts music panel. Sadly, Buckley passed away on February 4, 2016, at the age of 71. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. His unique style and contributions to the world of classical music have cemented his place as one of the most important American composers of the 20th century.

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