Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Argentina

Birth

:

March 4, 1934 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Death

:

August 23, 2019 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Electronic/Computer

 

 

Vocal

 

Mario Davidovsky was an Argentine-American composer who was born on March 4, 1934, in Argentina. He was raised in a family of musicians, and his father was a violinist. Davidovsky began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and violin. He later attended the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires, where he studied composition with Guillermo Graetzer. In 1958, Davidovsky moved to the United States to study at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. He continued his studies at the University of Illinois, where he earned his master's degree in composition. He later studied at the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, where he became interested in electronic music. Davidovsky's early works were influenced by the serialism of composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. However, he soon began to experiment with electronic music, and his compositions began to incorporate both acoustic and electronic elements. His works often featured complex rhythms and intricate textures, and he was known for his use of timbre and sound color. One of Davidovsky's most famous works is his Synchronisms series, which he began composing in 1962. The series consists of several works for various instruments and electronic tape, and it is considered to be a landmark in the development of electronic music. The Synchronisms works feature a dialogue between the live instrument and the electronic tape, with the two elements often blending together seamlessly. Davidovsky's other notable works include his String Quartet No. 2, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1971. The quartet features complex rhythms and intricate textures, and it is considered to be one of Davidovsky's most important works. He also composed several works for orchestra, including his Concertino for Orchestra and his Divertimento for Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Davidovsky was also a respected teacher. He taught at the University of California, San Diego, the University of Chicago, and the Manhattan School of Music. He was known for his innovative teaching methods, and he inspired many young composers to experiment with electronic music. Davidovsky continued to compose and teach until his death on August 23, 2019, at the age of 85. He left behind a legacy of innovative and groundbreaking works that continue to inspire and influence composers today.

More....