[1] It was composed for the violinist Hilary Hahn and was given its world premiere by Hahn and . Her works represent a wide range of genres, from orchestral to chamber, to wind ensemble, as well as vocal, choral and opera. Tracklist: 1. "[5] Duncan Druce of Gramophone similarly described the piece as "an attractive, colourful work, scored most imaginatively and with great finesse." The dynamics range from very soft to overwhelming at a couple of moments, the tuttis giving the soloist some surely much needed rest. "I jumped up and down a little," confesses Higdon - and that probably scared her cats, too. She studied flute performance at Bowling Green State University with Judith Bentley, who encouraged her to explore composition. [1] It was composed for the violinist Hilary Hahn and was given its world premiere by Hahn and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under the conductor Mario Venzago on February 6, 2009. She has also received awards from the Guggenheim Foundation, the American Academy of Arts & Letters, the Koussevitzky Foundation, the Pew Fellowship in the Arts, The Independence Foundation, the NEA, and ASCAP. She continued to demonstrate her fortitude and dedication by persevering despite a few graduate rejection letters. 144 ("Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin") performed on Septuagesimae Sunday as part of Bach's first annual Sacred Cantata cycle in Leipzig (1723/24); 1727 - Bach: Sacred Cantata No. Rene Orth's "10 Days in a Madhouse" will be given its world premiere on Sept. 21 in the opening of the company's O23 Festival, and Jennifer Higdon's "Woman with Eyes Closed" has been . The pianos opening chords sound almost improvisatory, with leaps and contemplative pauses; the cello enters, ruminative, circling chant-like around a single tone; then, finally, the violin leads its partners in a yearning phrase built from slowly inching steps. Part concerto, part choral song-cycle,The Singing Roomis one of Higdons most ingenious and affecting creations. The suite, titled Elements, will have its preview at two concerts of the 2023 Colorado Music Festival. She has also written works for such artists as baritone Thomas Hampson, pianists Yuja Wang and Gary Graffman, violinists Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Jennifer Koh and Hilary Hahn. Its, to my ears, Higdon at her most memorably melodic. The orchestration includes, besides the usual instruments, an English horn, piccolo (which both have noticeable utterances), tuba, harp and several tuned and untuned percussion instruments, including tubular bells and a glockenspiel struck with #10 knitting needles. Reviewing the New York City premiere, Allan Kozinn of The New York Times wrote, "Its big, exploratory opening movement is packed with quick, insistent solo lines and dialogues between the violin and either the full orchestra or individual sections or players; its lush, slow movement (here in the form of a chaconne) exploits the violin's lyrical qualities, and its finale is driven by daredevil speediness. And her champions include top-tier soloists, ensembles and orchestras. And it was the Violin Concerto (2010), composed for Hilary Hahn, that earned Higdon the Pulitzer. Jennifer Higdon NEWS Higdon is one of five composers commissioned by violinist Joshua Bell for a five-movement suite for violin and orchestra. Hilary really makes it sing on the instrument.". She has been awarded honorary doctorates from the Hartt School and Bowling Green State University. The composer recalls hearing almost no classical music in her childhood; instead, her musical diet consisted of The Beatles, Bob Marley, folk and bluegrass. by James Manheim [+] American composer Jennifer Higdon 's breakthrough came in 2002 with her Concerto for Orchestra, a work that attracted the widespread admiration of working symphonic musicians and led to mushrooming performances of her music both within and beyond the U.S. Pale Yellow, the first movement of her Piano Trio (2003), is an especially lovely example, as both elements are so tender and lyrical. This work was commissioned by the Indianapolis, Baltimore and Toronto orchestras and the Curtis Institute, where Higdon teaches and which Hahn attended (and studied with Higdon, as it happens.) A major figure in contemporary classical music, she received the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her Violin Concerto, a 2010 Grammy for her Percussion Concerto, a 2018 Grammy for her Viola Concerto, and . Because of her lack of formal training at an early age, Higdon struggled to catch up early in her college career. It is a five-movement work, all of which showcases every section of the orchestra and is occasionally thematically reminiscent of the famous Bartk concerto. [8] Of playing in the university orchestra, she has said: "Because I came to classical music very differently than most people, the newer stuff had more appeal for me than the older. Duration: 4:46 Jennifer Higdon And Me: A Musical Friendship. Jennifer Higdon is one of the cherished names in contemporary American classical music. Pulitzer and GRAMMY- Award winner Jennifer Higdon is one of the most performed living American composers, and this program provides a unique opportunity to hear premiere recordings of her earlier chamber music. Higdon sets Jeanne Minahans emotionally layered poems so that every word can be understood; occasionally one senses its the violin and orchestra who are singing, not the choir. The concerto was co . There was no need whatever to show her skill at this point and the full rich tone of Hahn's violin sounded wonderful in the fine acoustics of this hall. Jennifer Koh, violin (soloist). Is it surprising that I have high expectations? Find Jennifer Higdon composition information on AllMusic. And I have a tendency to make musical events happen or turn over fast. She has explained her philosophy partly as a reaction to the anything-goes happenings she experienced through her fathers artistic interests, her grounding in the steady rhythms of popular music, and also the dogged determination she felt she needed in order to make up for her own late start. (Higdon told me that the latter was meant to be very dense.) He continued, "I enjoyed the first movement especially, its disparate material so expertly contrasted and integrated. hide caption. Higdon, who holds a teaching post at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, has received commissions from major orchestras around the country, including the Atlanta Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony.This has been an especially rewarding year for the composer. A slow-building climax, capped finally by piercing trumpets, provides catharsis and makes the coda feel like a spiritually cleansing exhalation. In its citation, the Pulitzer board described the piece as deeply engaging and said that it combines flowing lyricism with dazzling virtuosity., Higdon said she wrote the concerto with Hahn in mind and that the piece is meant to show off her gifts.. Dr. Higdon received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her Violin Concerto, with the committee . Its unmissable in Exaltation of Larks (2005) for string quartet, though dabbed with French Impressionist colours, and also in parts of The Singing Rooms (2007) for violin, chorus, and orchestra, one of the composers most affecting works. The Trios second movement, Fiery Red, gives us the flip side; here, both the motivically terse and discursive elements work together to ignite an almost unrelenting rush of nervous energy. Her works have been recorded on over 60 CDs. Indeed, the climaxes are carefully placed, not just within the individual movements but in the work as a whole, which forms a shapely and satisfying dramatic arc. The postmodern approach that mixes styles from the nineteenth century with contemporary ones is called: neo-Romanticism. Higdons first opera, I believe that one of the most rewarding aspects of life is exploring and discovering the magic and mysteries held within our universe. Rather, she tends to alternate between rhythmically strong phrases built from short, often simple motives and long-limbed, rhythmically restless, discursively expansive lines. By Jennifer Higdon. . I feel that you should be able to come to my music without having any kind of knowledge about classical music. Gregory Sauer, Professor Directing Treatise; Denise Von Glahn, University Representative; Alexander Jimnez, Committee Member. About Jennifer Higdon Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon (b. Brooklyn, NY, December 31, 1962) taught herself to play flute at the age of 15 and began formal musical studies at 18, with an even later start in composition at the age of 21. Deutsche Grammophon 4778777 68:16. Jennifer Higdon's style, however, is direct and imaginative, filled with unique harmonic colors, solid thematic development, and a subtle and intimate lyricism. "I jumped up and down a little," she says. The first movement of this concerto, written for the violinist, Hilary Hahn, carries a somewhat enigmatic title of 1726. This number represents an important aspect of such a journey of discovery, for both the composer and the soloist. She also makes use of rhythmic ostinati which give motion to many of her works especially her more rapid compositions. I turned on my cellphone and I had all these messages and I thought that was unusual, she said. The work is unquestionably complex but, unlike Higdon's Concerto for orchestra, the texture is not dense. Her works have been recorded on more than four dozen CDs. This was her breakthrough work, commissioned and premiered by the Philadelphia Orchestra. I jumped up and down a little, confesses Higdon and that probably scared her cats, too. Piotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. Jennifer Higdon (b. Jennifer Higdon (b. Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon (b. Brooklyn, NY, December 31, 1962) taught herself to play flute at the age of 15 and began formal musical studies at 18, with an even later start in composition at the age of 21. Violin Concerto received a Pulitzer Prize in Music in 2010. Despite these obstacles, Jennifer has become a major figure in contemporary Classical music. The concerto is in the usual three movements but with unusual designations. Her father was a visual artist, a hippy, and a fan of the avant-garde in almost everything but music. Some of her rhythmic and melodic repetition could be considered minimalist in nature. DG 146980-2, On todays date in 2009, Hilary Hahn premiered a new violin concerto by the American composer Jennifer Higdon, a work tailor-made for the violinist, according to Higdon: Shes got gorgeous tone in the top register, but also down really low, so I tried to utilize her entire range, her lyrical gift, her ability to play super fast and negotiate through complex meter changes., When asked if it wasnt intimidating writing a violin concerto in the 21st century, considering the incredible legacy of great violin concertos already written, Higdon said a little intimidation is a good thing: There's nothing like fear to get the imagination running. 67 . At 55, she is one of the most widely performed living composers in the United States. Storm - Barcarole, Barcarole (Seven Mad Gods Who Rule the Sea): II. Jennifer Elaine Higdon (born December 31, 1962 [1]) is an American composer of contemporary classical music. [1], She wrote her first opera based on Charles Frazier's 1997 novel, Cold Mountain with a libretto by Gene Scheer. takes you on a journey of quintessential American works for violin and piano which reflect the sound and diversity of a nation. 1726 happens to be the street address of The Curtis Institute of Music. She has received many awards, including the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Music for her Violin Concerto[2][3] and three Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition for her Percussion Concerto in 2010, Viola Concerto in 2018, and Harp Concerto in 2020. Orchestras Symphonies & Bands near Missoula, MT. Jennifer Higdons myriad accolades and accomplishments are impressive by any standard, but particularly in the world of contemporary classical music. Light Refracted, for clarinet, violin, viola, cello & piano: 15:37 : Chamber Music: Quintet : Lilacs, for baritone & piano : 07:05 . Listen to music by Jennifer Higdon on Apple Music. In June, Higdon said she will premiere a new concerto written for the new-music group eighth blackbird in Atlanta. Its title, Chaconni, comes from the word chaconne: a chord progression that repeats throughout a section of music. Her early background in percussion likely influenced her rhythmic style; her music often features complex, intricate rhythmic passages, even when melodies are lyrical. [5] She also developed an interest in photography and writing at an early age. Indeed, theres an English pastoral quality to much of Higdons lyrical writing. By logging in, you may be able to gain additional access to certain collections or items. chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L] "Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. To find out more about subscribing, please visit: gramophone.co.uk/subscribe, Bowling Green State University with Judith Bentley; Curtis Institute with Ned Rorem; University of Pennsylvania with George Crumb, Full-time composer (1992-present); Faculty member, Curtis Institute of Music (1994-present), A self-taught flautist who grew up in rural Kentucky, Higdon is anything but a classical music insider, her hallmark being that her unthreatening musical surfaces which recall Stravinsky, Nielsen and the more tranquil moments of Copland are a thin veil over music thats amiably subversive. (David Patrick Stearns), My job is to communicate. David Ng is a former Company Town reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Ones never really sure what might come next, though at the same time, the various ideas are woven together expertly theres a strong feeling of structural integrity. She spent the first 10 years of her life in Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Seymour, Tennessee. Rene Orth's "10 Days in a Madhouse" will be given its world premiere on Sept. 21 in the opening of the company's O23 Festival, and Jennifer Higdon's "Woman with Eyes Closed" has been . Which is not a musical goal of Jennifer Higdon? Societies & Foundation Associations near Missoula, MT. The finale, a real showpiece for the violin, is less substantial but rhythmically most inventive. In 2018, Higdon received the Eddie Medora King Award from the University of Texas at Austin. Venzago plays Schumann with unusually varied tempos. I was not alert enough to clock time to note the duration of the concerto accurately, but my estimate is a bit longer than half an hour. Missoula Symphony Assn. Contents "The whole focus of the second movement is the beauty of tone.". Violin ConcertoI. Tracklist: Jennifer Higdon (b.1962) 01. "You know the track and field events where they are running across the tape at the end? Besides Hahn, the concerto was commissioned by four orchestras: The Baltimore, Toronto and Indianapolis Symphonies, plus the orchestra at the Curtis Institute. Composer Jennifer Higdon has won the Pulitzer Prize for music for her Violin Concerto, making her one of the few women to have won the countrys top classical music prize. Conductor Marin Alsop says she's also a Higdon fan. She is a major figure in contemporary classical music, receiving the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her Violin Concerto, a 2010 Grammy for her Percussion Concerto and a 2018 Grammy for her Viola Concerto, and a 2020 Grammy for her Harp Concerto. Jennifer Higdon's Violin Concerto was completed in August of 2008 and premiered 6 February 2009 by the work's dedicatee, Hilary Hahn, with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (co-commissioner) and Mario Venzago, serving as conductor. However, I am still exhilarated from hearing this exciting work. On the occasions where she has set non-English texts, she tends to use both the text and translation in the piece, allowing the piece to more effectively communicate its message. Philadelphia-based composer Jennifer Higdon won the Pulitzer Prize for music with her Violin Concerto Monday. Violin Concerto: I - Jennifer Higdon 2. The mood of the work was more lyrical than not. Higdon's In the Shadow of the Mountain was the group's final 20x20 commission and will receive its New York Premiere in Weill Hall. She is a major figure in contemporary classical music, receiving the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her Violin Concerto, and Grammy Awards for the recordings of her Percussion Concerto (2010), Viola Concerto (2018), and Harp Concerto (2020). The concerto was co-commissioned by the Indianapolis Symphony and debuted in 2009 with the orchestra and Hilary Hahn as the soloist. The American Violin: Big, Bold, Singing, Striving. 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