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PROVOCATIVE THOUGHTS:
The late Patric Standford may have written these short pieces deliberately to provoke our feedback. If so, his success is reflected in the rich range of readers' comments appearing at the foot of most of the pages.
American composer Benjamin Lees was born on 8 January 1924 in Manchuria (China/Russia). His family emigrated to California, USA when he was an infant. He studied composition with George Antheil for four years.
His career included a sojourn in Europe, on a 1954 Guggenheim Fellowship.
Lees died in Glen Cove, New York on 21 May 2010, aged eighty-six.
CD Spotlight. Divertingly Arranged - Music from China and the USA, heard by Howard Smith. '... less conclusive ...'
CD Spotlight. Extrovert Optimism - Piano music by Benjamin Lees, recommended by Patric Standford. '... a pleasant surprise ...'
Record Box. A Crowd Pleaser - Concertos and a symphony by Lee Actor, heard by Ron Bierman
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Benjamin Lees about his Piano Concerto No 3
CD Spotlight. Tight development - Benjamin Lees' Symphonies Nos 2, 3 and 5, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The orchestra responds beautifully ...'
CD Spotlight. Intense style - Gold and Lees piano concertos, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... a thoroughly convincing performance.'
CD Spotlight. Discussion partners - Contemporary American piano concertos, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... a masterful performance.'
CD Spotlight. Opportunity to shine - Concertos for Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's centennial, appreciated by Ron Bierman. '... filled with romantic gestures and crowd-pleasing virtuosity.'
CD Spotlight. To be a composer - Benjamin Lees' Symphony No 4, appreciated by Ron Bierman. '... Buswell's playing is consistently rich and beautiful.'
Profile. To be a composer - Ron Bierman continues his feature about Benjamin Lees
Profile. To be a composer - Ron Bierman continues his feature about Benjamin Lees
Profile. To be a composer - Ron Bierman met and talked to Benjamin Lees