Arnold Rosner facts for kids

Arnold Rosner (born November 8, 1945, died November 8, 2013) was an American composer. He wrote classical music, which is a type of music often played in concert halls.

About Arnold Rosner

Arnold Rosner was born in New York City. He studied music at the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York. Even though he went to college for music, he felt he mostly taught himself.

Rosner created his own special music style. It mixed ideas from Renaissance music (music from the 14th to 17th centuries) with the strong feelings and rich sounds of late romanticism (music from the late 18th to early 20th centuries).

His music was often inspired by his own Jewish background. He was also influenced by Catholicism. Many of his musical pieces have been recorded, so people can listen to them easily.

What Kind of Music Did He Write?

Arnold Rosner wrote many different types of music. He composed three operas, which are plays where most of the words are sung. He also wrote eight symphonies, which are long pieces for a full orchestra.

He created six string quartets, which are pieces for four string instruments. Rosner also wrote chamber music, which is music for a small group of instruments. He composed many songs as well.

Here are some examples of the kinds of works he created:

Operas

• Chronicle of Nine: The Tragedy of Queen Jane, Op. 81 (1984)
• Bontsche Schweig, Chamber Opera, Op. 102 (1994)
• Spinoza, Chamber Opera, Op. 123 (2011)

Symphonies

Rosner wrote eight symphonies. These are large musical pieces for an orchestra.

• Symphony No. 5 Missa sine Cantoribus super "Salve Regina", Op. 57 (1973)
• Symphony No. 8 Trinity, for Concert Band, Op. 84 (1988)

Concertos

Concertos are pieces where one or more solo instruments play with an orchestra.

• Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 14 (1962)
• Violin Concerto, Op. 17 (1962)
• Concerto for 2 Trumpets, Strings, and Timpani, Op. 107 (1997)

Other Orchestral Works

He wrote many other pieces for orchestras, like:

• A Soldier's Prayer, Op. 7 (1961)
• Requiem, Op. 59 (1973)
• A Millenium Overture, Op. 112 (1999)

Music for Bands

Rosner also composed music for different types of bands, including concert bands and brass bands.

• Symphony No. 8 Trinity, for Concert Band, Op. 84 (1988)
• Lovely Joan, Rhapsody on an English Folk Song, for Concert Band, Op. 88 (1990)

String Quartets

He wrote six string quartets, which are pieces for two violins, a viola, and a cello.

• String Quartet No. 1, Op. 10 (1962)
• String Quartet No. 6, Op. 118 (2004)

Other Chamber Music

Chamber music is for smaller groups of instruments.

• Sonata for Flute and Cello, Op. 16 (1962)
• String Sextet, for two violins, two violas and two cellos, Op. 47 (1970)
• Minyan, for Viola and Guitar, Op. 124 (2013)

Piano Music

Rosner wrote many pieces just for the piano.

• Toccata in A major, Op. 6 (1961)
• Piano Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 25 (1963)
• Etz Chaim, Op. 99 (1993)

Music for Solo Instruments

He also composed pieces for single instruments, like:

• Wedding March, for Organ, Op. 53 (1971)
• A Plaintive Harmony, for solo Horn, Op. 85 (1988)