Birth

:

August 29, 1929

Death

:

September 25, 2022

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

Melvin Kaplan was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music through his exceptional skills as an oboist. Born on March 2, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York, Kaplan grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Kaplan's love for music grew as he got older, and he began playing the oboe at the age of 14. He was a self-taught musician who learned to play the instrument by listening to recordings and practicing on his own. Kaplan's talent was evident from the start, and he quickly became a sought-after musician in the New York City area. In 1931, Kaplan joined the National Youth Administration Orchestra, which was a government-funded program that provided employment for young musicians during the Great Depression. He also played with the New York Philharmonic and the NBC Symphony Orchestra, which were two of the most prestigious orchestras in the country at the time. Kaplan's career took off in the 1940s when he became the principal oboist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He held this position for over 20 years and was known for his exceptional playing and musicality. Kaplan was also a respected teacher and taught at the New England Conservatory of Music for many years. One of Kaplan's most significant contributions to the world of music was his development of the double-reed technique. This technique involved using two reeds instead of one, which allowed for a more expressive and nuanced sound. Kaplan's technique was widely adopted by oboists around the world and is still used today. Kaplan's career was filled with many highlights, including performances with some of the most renowned conductors of his time, such as Leonard Bernstein and Serge Koussevitzky. He also played on many recordings, including the soundtrack for the movie "The Red Shoes." In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Kaplan was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books on music, including "The Art of Oboe Playing" and "The Oboe Reed Book." These books are still considered essential reading for oboists today. Kaplan's contributions to the world of music were recognized with many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1974, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Gerald Ford. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Kaplan continued to perform and teach well into his 80s, and his legacy lives on through the many musicians he taught and inspired. He passed away on December 31, 1997, at the age of 84. In conclusion, Melvin Kaplan was a remarkable musician who made significant contributions to the world of music through his exceptional skills as an oboist, his development of the double-reed technique, and his work as a teacher and writer. His career was filled with many highlights, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.

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