American composer Benjamin LEES dies
HILVERSUM - Last Monday American composer Benjamin LEES (1924-2010) died.
Benjamin Lees was born on 8 January 1924 in Harbin (China) to Russian parents. In the following year the family settled in San Francisco and in 1939 moved to Los Angeles. In 1945 Lees entered the University of Southern California in L.A. During his advanced studies George Antheil was his teacher.
Awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship the composer spent seven years travelling in Europa, eventually settling near Paris, before returning tot the U.S..
Lees's musical output has followed a consistent path over four decades. Classical musical structures form the basis of his works, expertly crafted and honed into his own language. The music is always tonal, but exploring the full range of tonality through development of subject matter. His chosen 'instrument' has been the orchestra, writing five symphonies and numerous concertos. 'Grandeur' is the word that is often used about his music.
His Second Symphony (1958) has been played and broadcasted in Holland on 29 March 1972 by the Omroeporkest, conducted by Leo Driehuys. Press voices about this work say: "It not only had the appeal of novelty but proved to be a solid musical achievement ... The melodic appeal was strong throughout and there was imaginitive use of instruments to achieve a mood of mystery and suspense." and "Lees skilfully played of dark against light colors, percussive against legato attacks and strong, simple rhythms against complex ones".
Benjamin Lees died at the age of 86 in Glen Cove.
Principal source: Publisher Boosey & Hawkes
LINKS:
• Watch a performance of his Violin Concerto
• Read an extensive interview with the composer
• Official website
Laatste aanpassing op Friday 4 June 2010
