Alfred Reed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alfred Reed |
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| Background information | |
| Born | January 25, 1921 New York City, New York |
| Died | September 17, 2005 (aged 84) Miami, Florida |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Composer |
Alfred Friedman (known as Alfred Reed) was an American composer. He was born on January 25, 1921, and passed away on September 17, 2005. He wrote over 200 pieces of music. These included works for concert band, orchestra, chorus, and smaller groups of instruments called chamber ensembles. Alfred Reed also traveled a lot. He was a guest conductor, leading musical groups in North America, Europe, and Asia.
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About His Life
Alfred Reed was born in Manhattan, New York City. His parents were immigrants from Austria. He started learning music at age ten. He studied the cornet at the New York Schools of Music. During World War II, he played in the 529th Army Air Force Band.
After the war, he went to the Juilliard School of Music. He studied with a famous teacher named Vittorio Giannini. Later, he worked as a composer and arranger for NBC and ABC. In 1953, he became a conductor at Baylor University. He earned two music degrees there. His master's project, a piece for viola and orchestra, won an award.
From 1955 to 1966, Alfred Reed worked for a music publisher. He then became a music professor at the University of Miami. He helped create the first college program for music business in 1966. This program taught students about the business side of music. Many other universities later started similar programs. He was still getting requests to compose music when he passed away. Many of his pieces for wind band have been recorded. The Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra has released several CDs of his music.
His Music and Compositions
Alfred Reed wrote many different kinds of music. He is especially famous for his works for concert band.
Music for Orchestra
He wrote several pieces for a full orchestra.
- Greensleeves - "What Child is This?" (1962)
- American Sketches (a series of five pieces)
- Serenade
Music for Concert Band
Alfred Reed composed many popular pieces for concert bands. These are groups of wind and percussion instruments.
- Russian Christmas Music (1944): This is one of his most famous works. It has four parts that sound like traditional Russian carols and chants.
- Armenian Dances Part 1 (1972): This piece is based on folk songs from Armenia. It has five lively sections.
- Armenian Dances Part 2 (1977): Another set of dances inspired by Armenian folk music.
- Othello (1977): This is a musical story based on William Shakespeare's play. It has five scenes.
- The Hounds of Spring (1981): A popular and exciting concert overture.
- El Camino Real (1985): This piece is inspired by Spanish music and sounds like a grand procession.
- Fourth Symphony for Band (1992): A longer work with different movements.
- Fifth Symphony for Band (1994): This symphony includes a movement called "Sakura" (Cherry Blossoms).
- Seventh Suite for Band (2003): This piece celebrates the history of flight.
Music for Choir and Orchestra
He also wrote music that combines singing voices with a full orchestra.
- All Hall to the Days, Christian Madrigal
- The Pledge of Allegiance
Chamber Music
Alfred Reed wrote for smaller groups of instruments too.
- Organ Meditations (1954) for solo organ
- Two Bagatelles (1983) for trombone quartet
- Havana Moon for Clarinet Choir
Images for kids
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A portrait of Alfred Reed.
See also
In Spanish: Alfred Reed para niños
