Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

Nick Didkovsky is a renowned composer, guitarist, and software programmer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on February 13, 1958, in New York City, Didkovsky grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. As a child, he was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, which sparked his interest in music. Didkovsky began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He studied classical guitar with Michael Cedric Smith and later with David Starobin. He also studied composition with Gerald Shapiro and Charles Dodge at the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center. In the early 1980s, Didkovsky formed the band Doctor Nerve, which became known for its avant-garde approach to music. The band's music was a fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, and it featured complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. Doctor Nerve released several albums, including "Out to Bomb Fresh Kings" (1985), "Skin" (1995), and "Every Screaming Ear" (2001). In addition to his work with Doctor Nerve, Didkovsky has composed numerous works for chamber ensembles, orchestras, and solo instruments. His compositions are known for their intricate structures, unconventional harmonies, and use of technology. He has also collaborated with other composers and performers, including John Zorn, Fred Frith, and Christian Marclay. One of Didkovsky's most notable works is "Vomit Fist," a piece for electric guitar and computer. The piece was commissioned by the Bang on a Can All-Stars and premiered in 1994. "Vomit Fist" features complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as live processing of the guitar sound using computer software. The piece has been performed by numerous guitarists, including Marc Ribot and Mary Halvorson. Another notable work by Didkovsky is "Tube Mouth Bow String," a piece for string quartet and computer. The piece was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered in 1996. "Tube Mouth Bow String" features unconventional string techniques, such as bowing on the bridge and plucking the strings with a tube, as well as live processing of the string sound using computer software. Didkovsky has also composed several works for solo instruments, including "Ice Cream Time" for solo guitar and "Puddle Jumping" for solo piano. These works showcase his ability to create complex and engaging music with just one instrument. In addition to his work as a composer, Didkovsky is also a software programmer. He has developed several software programs for music composition and performance, including JMSL (Java Music Specification Language) and MAXMSP. These programs allow composers and performers to create and manipulate music in real-time, opening up new possibilities for live performance and improvisation. Didkovsky's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet the Composer, and the New York State Council on the Arts. He has also been a resident composer at several prestigious institutions, including the MacDowell Colony and the Civitella Ranieri Foundation. In conclusion, Nick Didkovsky is a highly accomplished composer, guitarist, and software programmer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music.

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