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Composer Conductor

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Andrew Boysen Jr. is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on October 10, 1968, in Albany, New York, Boysen grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist. Boysen began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Boysen's passion for music led him to pursue a career in music composition. He attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. He later earned a Master of Music degree in Composition from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin. Boysen's early compositions were influenced by the works of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. However, he soon developed his own unique style, which blended elements of classical, jazz, and popular music. His compositions are known for their complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and rich textures. One of Boysen's early works, "Frenzy," was written for wind ensemble and premiered in 1994. The piece is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms and driving energy, which reflect the frenzied nature of the title. Another notable work from this period is "Kirkpatrick Fanfare," which was commissioned by the University of Michigan and premiered in 1996. The piece is a tribute to the university's former president, James B. Angell, and features bold brass fanfares and soaring melodies. Boysen's breakthrough work came in 1997 with the premiere of his Symphony No. 1, "The Commedia," which was commissioned by the University of Texas at Austin. The piece is inspired by the Italian Commedia dell'arte, a form of theater that originated in the 16th century. The symphony is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different character from the Commedia dell'arte. The first movement, "Pantalone," is characterized by its playful melodies and lively rhythms. The second movement, "Harlequin," is more introspective and features a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the oboe. The final movement, "Capitano," is a rousing finale that features bold brass fanfares and driving rhythms. Boysen's Symphony No. 1 was a critical and commercial success, and it established him as one of the leading composers of his generation. He went on to write several more symphonies, including Symphony No. 2, "Voices of the Morning," which was commissioned by the University of Texas at Austin and premiered in 2001. The piece is inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes and features lush harmonies and soaring melodies. Another notable work from this period is "Concerto for Marimba and Wind Ensemble," which was commissioned by the University of Texas at Austin and premiered in 2003. The piece is characterized by its intricate rhythms and virtuosic marimba solos. In recent years, Boysen has continued to write innovative and compelling works for wind ensemble, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Boysen's music has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative approach to composition.

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