American composer most noted for being a prolific
composer of songs based on a world-wide source of poetry. His songs based on
American poetry are intuitively beautiful, ie. those based on poems of Walt
Whitman, Paul Goodman, Theodore Roethke and Frank O’Hara. Other works written
such as sonatas and a Violin Concerto (1984) recorded by Leonard Bernstein,
Gidon Kremer and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra on DG 429 231 2. Phyllis
Curtin and Susan Graham - outstanding interpreters of the Songs. New CD of
Rorem’s Songs released this year with Susan Graham-mezzo-soprano and Malcolm
Martineau available on Erato 8573-80222-2. Rorem influenced by Virgil
Thomson in composing style.
Other song cycles by Leonard Bernstein ("Song Fest"), Aaron Copland ("Old
American Songs" & "Emily Dickinson Songs"), Charles Ives Songs, and Virgil
Thomson Songs make interesting and comparable listening experiences.
Biography
[I am still looking for biographical information about Ned Rorem, that I can publish here. If you think you can help, then let me know.]
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