Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 13, 1886 in Lazdijai, Lithuania

Death

:

April 29, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Joseph Achron was a prominent composer and violinist of the early 20th century. Born on May 13, 1886, in Lozdzieje, Lithuania, Achron was the youngest of seven children in a family of musicians. His father, Julian Achron, was a cantor and a violinist, and his mother, Bertha, was a pianist. Achron's siblings were also musically inclined, with his brother Isidor becoming a renowned pianist and composer. Achron began his musical education at a young age, studying violin with his father and piano with his mother. He showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public concerts. In 1904, at the age of 18, Achron moved to Berlin to study at the Stern Conservatory. There, he studied violin with Willy Hess and composition with Friedrich Kiel. After completing his studies in Berlin, Achron moved to Paris, where he continued to perform as a violinist and began to establish himself as a composer. He became associated with the group of composers known as Les Apaches, which included Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, and Manuel de Falla. Achron's music was influenced by the French impressionist style, as well as by Jewish folk music. In 1911, Achron moved to the United States, where he continued to perform as a violinist and began to teach at the New York College of Music. He also began to compose music for the Yiddish theater, which was popular among Jewish immigrants in New York City. Achron's music for the Yiddish theater was characterized by its use of Jewish folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of elements of classical music. Achron's most famous work is his Hebrew Melody for violin and orchestra, which he composed in 1911. The piece is based on a traditional Jewish melody and is notable for its use of expressive chromaticism and lush orchestration. The Hebrew Melody became a popular concert piece and has been recorded by many prominent violinists, including Jascha Heifetz and Itzhak Perlman. Achron continued to compose throughout his life, producing works in a variety of genres, including chamber music, orchestral music, and music for the theater. His music was characterized by its use of Jewish folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of elements of classical music. Achron's music was also notable for its expressive chromaticism and lush orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Achron was also a respected violinist. He performed as a soloist with many prominent orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. Achron was also a dedicated teacher, and his students included the violinist Jascha Heifetz. Achron died on April 29, 1943, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 56. His legacy as a composer and violinist continues to be celebrated today, and his music remains an important part of the Jewish classical music tradition.

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