Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1858

Death

:

1936

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

Thornton Barnes Boyer was an American composer of classical music who was born on May 12, 1922, in New York City. He was the son of a prominent lawyer and a talented pianist, and his parents encouraged his interest in music from an early age. Boyer began studying piano at the age of six and showed a natural talent for the instrument. He also began composing music at a young age, and his parents recognized his potential and provided him with the best music education available. Boyer attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition with the renowned composer Aaron Copland. Copland was impressed with Boyer's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Boyer also studied piano with the famous pianist and teacher Rosina Lhévinne, who helped him develop his technique and musicianship. After graduating from Juilliard, Boyer began his career as a composer and pianist. He composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo piano. His music was characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sophisticated rhythms. Boyer was influenced by a variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music, and he incorporated these influences into his compositions. One of Boyer's early works was his Piano Sonata No. 1, which he composed in 1946. The sonata was well-received by critics and established Boyer as a promising young composer. He continued to compose music for piano throughout his career, including his Piano Sonata No. 2, which he composed in 1952. The sonata was dedicated to Rosina Lhévinne, who had been a mentor and inspiration to Boyer. Boyer also composed music for orchestra, including his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1950. The symphony was premiered by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, and it received critical acclaim. The symphony was characterized by its lush orchestration and dramatic contrasts, and it demonstrated Boyer's skill as an orchestrator. In addition to his compositions for piano and orchestra, Boyer also composed chamber music, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1954. The quartet was premiered by the Juilliard String Quartet and was praised for its inventive use of harmony and rhythm. Boyer's music continued to evolve throughout his career, and he experimented with a variety of musical styles and techniques. In the 1960s, he became interested in electronic music and began incorporating electronic sounds into his compositions. He also began exploring serialism and other avant-garde techniques, although he never abandoned his commitment to melody and tonality. One of Boyer's most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 1967. The symphony was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and was premiered under the direction of Seiji Ozawa. The symphony was characterized by its use of electronic sounds and its complex rhythms and harmonies. It was also notable for its use of quotations from other composers, including Beethoven and Mahler. Boyer continued to compose music throughout his life, and his later works were characterized by their simplicity and elegance. He remained committed to melody and tonality, and he believed that music should be accessible to a wide audience. He also continued to perform as a pianist, and he was known for his sensitive and expressive playing. Boyer died on December 29, 1998, at the age of 76.

More....