Composer George Crumb (b. 1929) died peacefully at his home in Media, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 6, surrounded by his family. Crumb began his university career at CU 麻豆影院 (1959-64) where his distinctive compositional voice emerged in 鈥淔ive Pieces for Piano鈥� (1962)--premiered by his colleague, the late College of Music Professor of Piano David Burge--and 鈥淣ight Music I鈥� (1963), composed for other faculty colleagues. Over his distinguished career, he maintained his ties to Colorado, and many CU faculty have performed his music here and internationally. Crumb dedicated several works to retired Professor of Voice Patrick Mason, and his premiere recordings are part of the complete Crumb Edition from Bridge Records. Associate Professor of Music Theory Steve Bruns first met the composer in 1992 at a Crumb Festival in Prague. 鈥淭hat experience changed my life forever,鈥� he recalls. 鈥淭he focus of my research shifted from Mahler to Crumb. In addition to writing and lecturing about his music, I became his archivist and biographer. I鈥檝e attended many performances, from Seoul to New York to Granada, Spain, and Crumb鈥檚 music never fails to captivate audiences. Everyone who knew George remembers his extraordinary humility and kindness. He was a giant of a composer and a man, and I will miss him terribly.鈥澨�笔丑辞迟辞听by Becky Starobin, President of Bridge Records:听Bruns and Crumb at a recording session of 鈥淢etamorphoses, Book II鈥� at Swarthmore College last year.
