Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 30, 1935 in Framingham, MA

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Gordon Mumma is a renowned American composer, performer, and instrument builder who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on March 30, 1935, in Framingham, Massachusetts, Mumma grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied composition and piano at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1957. After completing his studies, Mumma moved to New York City, where he became involved in the avant-garde music scene of the 1960s. He co-founded the Cooperative Studio for Electronic Music with fellow composer Robert Ashley, and together they created a series of groundbreaking works that combined electronic and acoustic sounds. Mumma also worked with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, creating music and soundscapes for their performances. In the 1970s, Mumma moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he became a professor of music at the University of Michigan. He continued to compose and perform, and also began building his own electronic instruments. His work during this period was characterized by a focus on live performance and improvisation, and he often collaborated with other musicians and artists. One of Mumma's most notable works is his 1966 composition "Hornpipe," which was commissioned by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. The piece features a combination of live and recorded sounds, including electronic tones, percussion, and the sound of a horn being played underwater. "Hornpipe" was performed by the Cunningham company for many years and is considered a classic of the contemporary dance music repertoire. Mumma's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1975, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study electronic music techniques. He was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 1981, which enabled him to teach and perform in Germany. In 1990, he was awarded the John Cage Award for Music from the Foundation for Contemporary Performance Arts. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Mumma has also been an influential teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He has taught at the University of Michigan, the California Institute of the Arts, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, among other institutions. His students have gone on to become successful composers and performers in their own right, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary musicians. Today, Gordon Mumma continues to compose, perform, and build instruments from his home in Michigan. His work remains an important part of the contemporary classical music canon, and his contributions to the field have been recognized and celebrated by audiences and critics alike.

More....