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Michael Colgrass: Adventures of an American Composer

Grayson Bell

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Michael Colgrass: Adventures of an American Composer

by Michael Colgrass

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1255 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

Early Life and Education

Michael Colgrass was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 22, 1932. His father, Chester, was a jazz musician, and his mother, Dorothy, was a pianist. Colgrass began playing the piano at the age of three and started composing at the age of eight. He studied composition at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and later at the Juilliard School in New York City.

Colgrass's early influences included the music of Igor Stravinsky, Béla Bartók, and Leonard Bernstein. He also studied with the renowned composer Aaron Copland. Copland's influence is evident in Colgrass's early works, which often feature American folk and jazz elements.

Career

Colgrass began his career as a composer in the 1950s. His early works were primarily for chamber ensembles and orchestra. In the 1960s, he began to experiment with electronic music and electroacoustic music. He also composed several operas and film scores.

Colgrass's music is often described as minimalist. However, he does not consider himself to be a minimalist composer. He has said that he is more interested in creating music that is "accessible and emotionally expressive." His music is often characterized by its use of repetition, ostinatos, and drones.

Colgrass has received numerous awards and honors for his music. In 1978, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his orchestral work "Deja Vu." He has also received the Grammy Award for Best Classical Composition and the National Medal of Arts.

Teaching

In addition to his career as a composer, Colgrass is also a dedicated music educator. He has taught at the Juilliard School, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Southern California. He has also given master classes and workshops around the world.

Colgrass is a strong advocate for music education. He believes that music is essential for the development of the human mind and spirit. He has said that "music can teach us about ourselves, our world, and our place in it."

Personal Life

Colgrass is married to the pianist and composer Anne LeBaron. They have two children, a son and a daughter. Colgrass and his family live in Los Angeles, California.

Colgrass is an avid hiker and birdwatcher. He is also a passionate advocate for environmental protection. He has said that "music is a powerful tool that can be used to raise awareness about important issues."

Legacy

Michael Colgrass is one of the most important and influential American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His music has been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his work.

Colgrass's music is known for its accessibility, emotional expressiveness, and innovative use of sound. He has helped to shape the sound of American music for over six decades. His music will continue to be performed and enjoyed for many years to come.