Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1966 in Baltimore, MD

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Marc Mellits is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on April 19, 1966, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Mellits began playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the saxophone and guitar. Mellits attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the Yale School of Music in New Haven, Connecticut. Mellits' music is known for its rhythmic complexity and energy, drawing inspiration from a variety of musical genres, including rock, jazz, and minimalism. His compositions often feature repetitive patterns and driving rhythms, creating a sense of momentum and urgency. One of Mellits' early works, "Gravity," was written for the Bang on a Can All-Stars, a contemporary music ensemble based in New York City. The piece features a pulsing, driving rhythm that builds in intensity throughout the work. "Gravity" was later included on Mellits' debut album, "5," which was released in 2001. Mellits has since gone on to compose a wide range of works for various ensembles, including chamber music, orchestral works, and operas. His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles and orchestras around the world, including the Kronos Quartet, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. One of Mellits' most well-known works is "Mara's Lullaby," which was written for the Kronos Quartet. The piece features a haunting melody that is repeated and developed throughout the work, creating a sense of introspection and reflection. "Mara's Lullaby" has been performed by the Kronos Quartet on numerous occasions and has been featured on several of their albums. Another notable work by Mellits is "String Quartet No. 3," which was commissioned by the Ethel Quartet. The piece features a complex, interlocking rhythmic structure that creates a sense of tension and release. "String Quartet No. 3" has been performed by the Ethel Quartet on numerous occasions and has been featured on their album "Heavy." In addition to his work as a composer, Mellits is also a professor of composition at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Fromm Foundation Commission. Overall, Marc Mellits is a highly regarded contemporary classical music composer known for his rhythmic complexity and energy. His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles and orchestras around the world and have been featured on several albums. Mellits continues to be an influential figure in the world of contemporary classical music, both as a composer and as a teacher.

More....