Claire Polin facts for kids
Claire Polin (born January 1, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – died December 6, 1995, in Merion, Pennsylvania) was a talented American musician. She was a composer who wrote modern classical music, a musicologist who studied music history, and a skilled flutist (someone who plays the flute).
Early Life and Education
Claire Polin loved music from a young age. She studied at the Philadelphia Conservatory, where she earned several music degrees, including a doctorate. She also attended two other famous music schools: the Juilliard School, where she earned her Master's Degree, and Tanglewood, where she completed another doctorate.
She learned from many important music teachers. These included famous composers like Vincent Persichetti, Lukas Foss, Roger Sessions, and Peter Mennin. Claire Polin also became an expert flute player. She studied with William Kincaid, a very well-known flutist. Together, they even worked on a series of books to teach others how to play the flute.
Her Musical Career
Claire Polin's music was played by many different groups and musicians around the world. Orchestras like the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonia performed her pieces. The Israel Bach Society and the London Pro Musica Antiqua also commissioned and performed her works.
Besides composing, Polin taught music at Rutgers University. She taught students how to compose their own music. She also taught interesting courses about the music of the Bible, ancient Wales, and Russia. Claire Polin also wrote books about music history and theory.
Family Life
Claire Polin had two sons, Josef and Gabriel Schaff. She also had one grandchild.
Her Compositions
Claire Polin wrote many different kinds of musical pieces. She composed music for various instruments and groups. Her works often explored unique sounds and ideas in contemporary classical music.
Some of her notable compositions include:
- Sonata No. 1 for Flute (1959)
- Symphony in two movements (1960)
- No-Rai: Songs from Korea (1963), for voice, flute, and double bass
- Sonata for Flute and Harp (1964/73)
- Structures for Solo Flute (1965)
- Makimono (1969), for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano
- Cader Idris: Landscape for Brass Quintet (1971)
- Infinito: A Requiem (1972), a larger work for alto saxophone, soprano solo, narrator, and chorus
- The Death of Procris: Studies After a Painting by Piero di Cosimo (1972-73), for flute and tuba
- Second Symphony (1974)
- Journey of Owain Madoc: Symphonic Meditations on the Discovery of America (1974)
- Mythos: Concerto for Harp and String Orchestra (1982)
These are just a few examples of the many pieces Claire Polin created during her career.
