Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

January 19, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Elliott Schwartz was an American composer and music educator who was born on December 14, 1936, in New York City. He grew up in Brooklyn and began studying music at a young age. Schwartz attended the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied composition with Vincent Persichetti and Peter Mennin. He later earned a Ph.D. in music composition from Brandeis University. Schwartz's early compositions were influenced by the serialism and atonality of the mid-20th century. However, he soon began to incorporate more traditional tonal elements into his music. His works often feature complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as a sense of playfulness and humor. One of Schwartz's most notable works is his "Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1965. The piece features a wide range of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, and timpani. It also includes a section where the percussionists play on a variety of household objects, such as pots and pans. Another significant work by Schwartz is his "String Quartet No. 2," which was composed in 1971. The piece is notable for its use of extended techniques, such as playing behind the bridge and using harmonics. It also features a section where the players are instructed to improvise within a set of guidelines. In addition to his compositions, Schwartz was also a dedicated music educator. He taught at Bowdoin College in Maine for over 40 years, where he was the Robert K. Beckwith Professor of Music. He also served as the chair of the music department and was instrumental in developing the college's music program. Schwartz was a prolific composer, with over 200 works to his name. His compositions have been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. He was also the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Fulbright Scholarship. Schwartz passed away on December 7, 2016, at the age of 79. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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