Fred Lerdahl

Full biography Fred Lerdahl

Fred Lerdahl is an American composer and music theorist. He was born on May 5, 1943, in Madison, Wisconsin, and is currently the Fritz Reiner Professor Emeritus of Musical Composition at Columbia University. Lerdahl is known for his work in music theory and analysis, as well as his compositions, which include works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments.

Lerdahl's compositional style is characterized by an interest in tonality and harmony, and his works often explore the tension between tonal and atonal elements. He has also been heavily influenced by the work of mathematicians and computer scientists, and his music often incorporates complex, algorithmic structures.

Lerdahl's compositions include works such as "Waltzes" for violin, viola, and cello, "Oboe Quartet," and his String Quartet Trilogy, which premiered in New York City in 2022. He has also collaborated with other composers, including Tyshawn Sorey, with whom he worked closely when Sorey was a student at Columbia University.

In addition to his work as a composer, Lerdahl is also a leading figure in the field of music theory and analysis. He has published several influential books on the subject, including "A Generative Theory of Tonal Music," co-authored with linguist Ray Jackendoff, and "Tonal Pitch Space," which explores the relationship between music and geometry.

Lerdahl has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and a MacArthur Fellowship. His music has been performed internationally by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, and he continues to be a prolific and influential figure in contemporary music.