Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

June 23, 1922 in Bay Shore, NY

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Francis Thorne was an American composer who was born on March 23, 1922, in Bay Shore, New York. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Thorne began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1943. After completing his studies, Thorne served in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in Europe and played in the Army band. During his time in the Army, Thorne continued to compose music and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. After the war, Thorne returned to the United States and continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied composition with Bernard Wagenaar and Vincent Persichetti and earned a Master of Music degree in 1949. Thorne also studied with Aaron Copland and Roger Sessions. Thorne's early compositions were influenced by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and Hindemith. He also drew inspiration from jazz and popular music. Thorne's music was characterized by its rhythmic vitality and colorful orchestration. In 1951, Thorne won the George Gershwin Memorial Award for his composition "Suite for Oboe and Strings." The award brought Thorne national attention and helped to establish his reputation as a composer. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Thorne continued to compose music and his works were performed by leading orchestras and ensembles. In 1962, Thorne was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study with the composer Luigi Dallapiccola. Thorne's music continued to evolve in the 1970s and 1980s. He began to incorporate electronic music into his compositions and experimented with new forms and techniques. Thorne's music during this period was characterized by its complexity and its use of unconventional sounds and textures. One of Thorne's most notable works from this period is his opera "Mario and the Magician," which is based on the novel by Thomas Mann. The opera premiered in 1981 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Thorne continued to compose music well into his 90s. His later works were characterized by their simplicity and clarity. Thorne's music was always accessible and he had a gift for creating melodies that were both memorable and emotionally powerful. Thorne passed away on March 7, 2017, at the age of 94. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. In conclusion, Francis Thorne was a talented and versatile composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His music was characterized by its rhythmic vitality, colorful orchestration, and emotional power. Thorne's works continue to be performed and appreciated by audiences around the world, and his legacy as a composer is secure.

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