Rorem, Ned
Rorem, Ned,
1923–, American composer and author, b. Richmond, Ind., grad. Juilliard (B.A. 1946, M.A. 1948). He is basically romantic in approach, determinedly tonal, and often lyrical. Although he composed a wide range of works, including chamber and choral music, symphonies, and tone poems, Rorem is best known for his vocal works, e.g., Air Music (1975; Pulitzer Prize), 5 Prayers for the Young (1977), Evidence of Things Unseen (1997), and the operas Miss Julie (1965), based on StrindbergStrindberg, Johan August, 1849–1912, Swedish dramatist and novelist. He was a master of the Swedish language and an innovator in dramatic and literary styles.
..... Click the link for more information. 's drama, and Our Town (2006), adapted from Thornton WilderWilder, Thornton Niven,
1897–1975, American playwright and novelist, b. Madison, Wis., grad. Yale (B.A., 1920), Princeton (M.A., 1925). He received most of his early education in China, where his father was the U.S. consul-general in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
..... Click the link for more information. 's play. From his Paris Diary (1966) to Knowing When to Stop (1994) and Lies: A Diary, 1986–1999 (2000), Rorem published a series of sexually explicit, urbane, and deftly written journals and memoirs. By his 90s, Rorem had retired from writing music and prose.
Bibliography
See A Ned Rorem Reader (2001).