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Composer

 

Alex Temple is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1983. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. Temple began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. She attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English in 2005. She then went on to earn a Master of Music in Composition from the Yale School of Music in 2007. Temple's music is known for its eclectic style, incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and popular music. She often uses unconventional instruments and techniques in her compositions, such as toy pianos, found objects, and extended vocal techniques. Her music is also characterized by its use of humor and satire, often commenting on contemporary social and political issues. One of Temple's early works is her 2006 composition "Loud Objects," which was commissioned by the New York-based ensemble Alarm Will Sound. The piece features a group of performers playing a variety of found objects, such as tin cans, plastic bags, and bicycle wheels, as well as traditional instruments. The performers are instructed to make as much noise as possible, creating a chaotic and unpredictable sound world. Another notable work by Temple is her 2013 composition "Liebeslied," which was commissioned by the Chicago-based ensemble Eighth Blackbird. The piece is a setting of a love poem by the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, and features a soprano vocalist accompanied by a chamber ensemble. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and soaring melodies, creating a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere. In addition to her work as a composer, Temple is also an active performer and collaborator. She has performed as a pianist and clarinetist with a variety of ensembles, including the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Wet Ink Ensemble. She has also collaborated with a number of artists from other disciplines, such as choreographers, visual artists, and writers. Temple's music has been performed by a variety of ensembles and orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019 and a Fromm Foundation Commission in 2016. Overall, Alex Temple is a unique and innovative voice in contemporary classical music. Her music challenges traditional notions of what classical music can be, incorporating a wide range of influences and techniques to create a sound that is both fresh and engaging. With her continued work as a composer and performer, she is sure to make a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

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