Inspirational Quotes by Ned Rorem (American Composer)

Ned Miller Rorem (1923–2022) was an American composer of contemporary classical music and diarist. Frequently described as a neo-romantic composer, he is best known for his art songs. As a writer too, his diaries spoke candidly of his exchanges and relationships with many cultural figures of America and France.

Born in Richmond, Indiana, Rorem studied at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he honed his compositional skills under notable mentors such as Virgil Thomson. Rorem’s early works showcased a distinctive and adventurous style, often exploring tonalities and incorporating elements of both traditional and modern musical idioms. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1976 for his orchestral suite Air Music.

Throughout his prolific career, Ned Rorem composed an extensive repertoire, including symphonies, chamber music, choral works, and art songs. His song cycles have earned him widespread acclaim, drawing inspiration from the poetry of renowned writers like Walt Whitman and Paul Goodman.

In addition to his musical achievements, Rorem is a skilled and insightful writer, penning an extensive series of candid and intimate diaries that offer a unique perspective into the lives of artists and the artistic process. He produced the anthologies Music from Inside Out (1967,) Music and People (1968,) Pure Contraption (1974,) and Other Entertainment (1996.) Notable other works include Critical Affairs: A Composer’s Journal (1970,) Setting the Tone (1983,) and Wings of Friendship (2005.)

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