Benjamin Boretz

Full biography Benjamin Boretz

Benjamin Boretz is an American composer and music theorist born on October 3 , 1934. He has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary music and has been recognized for his unique musical style. In addition to his work as a composer, Boretz has also written extensively about music theory and music education.

One of Boretz's notable achievements is his co-founding of the Contemporary Music Ensemble at Columbia University, which performed contemporary music from the 1960s onward. He also served as the editor of Perspectives of New Music, a leading scholarly journal in the field of contemporary music.

Boretz's compositions are known for their complex textures and harmonies, with a particular emphasis on exploring the limits of tonality and atonality. His compositions often utilize advanced musical techniques, such as twelve-tone serialism, as well as elements of jazz and rock music.

Aside from his musical compositions and writings, Boretz has also been recognized for his influential role as an educator. He has worked as a professor of music theory and composition at Columbia University, where he taught courses in composition, music theory, and electronic music.

Overall, Benjamin Boretz is an accomplished composer and influential figure in the contemporary music world, renowned for his innovative musical style and contributions to the field of music theory.