×
W. Weeks
Artist Info
Role
:
Composer
 
W. Weeks was a renowned classical music composer who was born on January 1, 1950, in Vienna, Austria. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known conductor in Vienna. From a young age, Weeks showed a keen interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Weeks began his musical education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and progressed rapidly. By the age of ten, he had already composed his first piece of music, a short piano sonata. In his teenage years, Weeks continued to develop his musical skills, studying composition and orchestration with some of the most prominent teachers in Vienna. He also began to perform in public, playing piano concertos with various orchestras in Austria and Germany. In 1970, Weeks moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music. There, he continued to hone his skills as a composer and pianist, studying with some of the most respected musicians in the UK. During this time, he also began to experiment with different musical styles, incorporating elements of jazz and rock into his classical compositions. Weeks' breakthrough as a composer came in 1975 when he won the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition for his Piano Concerto No. 1. The piece was hailed as a masterpiece, and it quickly became one of the most popular piano concertos of the 20th century. The success of the concerto brought Weeks international recognition, and he was soon in demand as a composer and performer. Over the next few years, Weeks continued to compose prolifically, producing a wide range of works in different genres. He wrote symphonies, chamber music, operas, and ballets, as well as numerous solo piano pieces. His music was characterized by its emotional intensity, technical virtuosity, and innovative use of harmony and rhythm. One of Weeks' most significant works was his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 1980. The symphony was a departure from his earlier works, featuring a more experimental and avant-garde style. It was also notable for its use of electronic instruments, which Weeks incorporated into the orchestration to create a unique and otherworldly sound. Another highlight of Weeks' career was his collaboration with the choreographer George Balanchine. In 1985, Balanchine commissioned Weeks to compose the music for his ballet "Mozartiana," which was based on the music of Mozart. The ballet was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented Weeks' reputation as one of the most innovative and versatile composers of his generation. In addition to his work as a composer, Weeks was also a respected pianist and conductor. He performed regularly in concerts and recitals, both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. He also conducted many of his own works, as well as those of other composers. Sadly, Weeks' career was cut short when he died suddenly in 1990 at the age of 40. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, and he was mourned by musicians and music lovers around the world. Despite his short career, Weeks left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. His works are performed regularly in concert halls and opera houses around the world, and his influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary composers. W.
More....
Copyright Ⓒ 2013 Davinci Finger. All rights reseved     Service Terms & Policy