Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 29, 1920 in Lynn, MA

Death

:

May 17, 2013 in Cambridge, MA

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Symphony

 

Harold Shapero was an American composer of classical music who was born on April 29, 1920, in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants who had settled in the United States. Shapero showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later studied composition with Walter Piston at Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. Shapero's early compositions were influenced by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and Hindemith. His first major work, the Symphony for Classical Orchestra, was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1947 and received critical acclaim. The symphony was characterized by its use of counterpoint and its clear, concise structure. In 1950, Shapero composed his String Quartet No. 1, which was also well-received. The quartet was notable for its use of complex rhythms and its incorporation of jazz elements. Shapero's interest in jazz was further reflected in his Piano Sonata, which was composed in 1952 and featured syncopated rhythms and bluesy harmonies. Shapero's most famous work is his Symphony for Double String Orchestra, which was composed in 1953. The symphony was commissioned by the Louisville Orchestra and was premiered by them in 1954. The work was characterized by its use of polyphony and its intricate contrapuntal textures. The symphony was widely praised for its originality and its ability to blend traditional and modern elements. In addition to his compositions, Shapero was also a respected music educator. He taught at Brandeis University from 1951 to 1966 and at Boston University from 1966 to 1980. He was known for his rigorous teaching style and his emphasis on the importance of counterpoint and form in composition. Shapero's later works were less well-received than his earlier ones. His Symphony for Classical Orchestra No. 2, which was composed in 1960, was criticized for its lack of originality and its reliance on traditional forms. His String Quartet No. 2, which was composed in 1966, was also criticized for its lack of innovation. Despite these criticisms, Shapero continued to compose throughout his life. His later works included a Piano Concerto, which was composed in 1979, and a String Quartet No. 3, which was composed in 1983. Shapero died on May 17, 2013, at the age of 93. In conclusion, Harold Shapero was a highly respected American composer of classical music. His early works were characterized by their use of neoclassical and jazz elements, while his later works were criticized for their lack of originality. Shapero's Symphony for Double String Orchestra remains his most famous work and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of 20th-century classical music. Shapero's legacy as a composer and educator continues to influence the world of classical music today.

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