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John Harbison




Harbison won a prize for composition at the age of sixteen. He studied music at Harvard University , where he sang with the Harvard Glee Club , and later at Princeton . He is an Institute Professor of Music at the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology . He is a former student of Walter Piston and Roger Sessions . His works include several symphonies, string quartets and a violin concerto.

He won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 1987 for The Flight Into Egypt (see Discography). He was nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance for his composition, ''Mottetti di Montale''.

When asked for his "artistic Credo" Harbison (1990) replied: "to make each piece different from the others, to find clear, fresh large designs, to reinvent traditions."

Harbison was commissioned by the late Pope John Paul II to write a piece for the Vatican to be performed at the "Reconciliation Between Jews , Christians and Muslims " concert. ''Abraham'', a 6 minute composition for Brass and Choir , had its world premiere on January 17 , 2004 .

He is married to violinist Rose Mary Pederson .


DISCOGRAPHY

  • ''Mirabai Songs / Variations'' (1987). Northeastern Records NR 230-CD. Performed by Janice Felty, mezzo-soprano, Collage New Music Ensemble, conducted by John Harbison — Rose Mary Harbison, violin; David Satz, clarinet; Ursula Oppens , piano. Tracks:

  • #''Mirabai Songs'', text from ''Mirabai Versions'' by Robert Bly : I. It's True, I Went to the Market

#II. All I Was Doing Was Breathing
#III. Why Mira Can't Go Back to Her Old House
#IV. Where Do You Go?
#V. The Clouds
#VI. Don't Go, Don't Go
#''Variations'', for violin, clarinet, and piano

#'' The Natural World '': Prelude
#Where We Must Look for Help, text from Robert Bly
#On the Road Home, text from Wallace Stevens
#Milkweed, text from James Wright
#'' Concerto For Double Brass Choir And Orchestra '': I. Invention on a Motif: Tempo giusto
#II. Invention on a Chord: Cantabile
#III. Invention on a Cadence: Molto allegro


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