Date of Birth: January 12, 1926
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: September 3, 1987
Biography
Morton Feldman was an American composer, born on January 12, 1926, in New York City. He became one of the most influential figures in the avant-garde music scene of the 20th century. Feldman was known for his innovative approach to composition, often characterized by its quiet dynamics, extended duration, and unique use of notation. He was a key figure in the New York School of composers, alongside John Cage, Christian Wolff, and Earle Brown. Feldman’s work often explored the boundaries of traditional Western music, incorporating elements from visual arts, particularly through his associations with abstract expressionist painters like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. Feldman studied piano as a child and later took composition lessons with Wallingford Riegger and Stefan Wolpe. His breakthrough came in the 1950s, when he began using graphic notation, allowing performers more interpretative freedom. Throughout his career, Feldman held various teaching positions, including at the University at Buffalo, where he influenced a new generation of composers. Feldman’s compositions include a wide range of works for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. Some of his most notable pieces include “Rothko Chapel” (1971), “Triadic Memories” (1981), and “For Philip Guston” (1984). His music continues to be performed and studied worldwide, cementing his legacy as a pioneering force in contemporary classical music.
5 Interesting Facts about Morton Feldman
1. Morton Feldman was a close friend and collaborator of composer John Cage.
2. He was deeply influenced by the visual arts, particularly abstract expressionism, and often sought to create a similar sense of space and form in his music.
3. Feldman’s compositions are known for their extreme length, with some works lasting several hours without a break.
4. He was a professor at the University at Buffalo, where he founded the Center for Creative and Performing Arts.
5. Feldman’s work “Rothko Chapel” was composed for the chapel of the same name in Houston, Texas, which houses paintings by Mark Rothko.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Morton Feldman
1. “I am interested in how sound works in time, how it moves through time, and how it influences our perception of time.”
2. “My whole generation was influenced by the abstract expressionists. Music doesn’t have to be narrative. Music doesn’t have to be about anything.”
3. “For me, the most important thing is to make music that is very, very quiet, very, very still.”
4. “I feel that composers have a responsibility to be innovative, to push the boundaries of what music can be.”
5. “The only way to change the world is to change your mind about music.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Morton Feldman’s net worth was never publicly disclosed, but his influence and legacy in the world of contemporary classical music are immeasurable.
Children
Morton Feldman did not have any children.
Relevant Links
2. [Morton Feldman – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0271130/
3. [Morton Feldman – Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/75930-Morton-Feldman
4. [The Morton Feldman Page](http://www.cnvill.net/mfhome.htm
