DISCUSSION: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Improvisation in the classical world and beyond, including contributions from David Arditti, James Lewitzke, James Ross and Steve Vasta.
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DISCUSSION: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Composers, individuals or collective?, including contributions from David Arditti, Halida Dinova, Robert McCarney and Jane Stanley.
'Composer and pianist Lee Hoiby was born on 17 February 1926. Not one of the avant-garde, he might be missed by those who believe art should offend first and ask questions later.
'Hoiby's music is traditional in melodic and harmonic aspects, but there is a deep vein of powerful emotion, sure craft and high inspiration. A master of the song form, it comes as no surprise that he studied with Gian Carlo Menotti and Samuel Barber. Lee Hoiby's settings of Whitman and Blake are ideal. A formidable pianist, he studied with Gunnar Johansen and Egon Petri. Lee Hoiby has written music in all genres, including numerous successful operas (that in itself is a potent statement), a scintillating piano concerto and many choral works. He is without question an American Master.' - Gordon Rumson
Lee Hoiby died in New York City on 28 March 2011, aged 85.
CD Spotlight. A Huge Showcase - American soprano Patrice Michaels impresses Paul Sarcich. 'Plenty of good things here ...'
CD Spotlight. A Fine Collection - Operatic bass arias sung by William Powers, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... a formidable mixture of operatic styles ...'
Imaginative Heights - Gordon Rumson looks forward to the Calgary Art Song Competition