Martin Boykan

Full biography Martin Boykan

Martin Boykan was an American composer and music professor who was born on March 3, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York. He was known for his contributions to contemporary classical music and his use of serialism as a compositional technique. Boykan wrote music for a wide variety of instrumental combinations , including piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra, and collaborated with many notable musicians and performers throughout his career.

Boykan studied music at Queens College and Columbia University in the 1950s, where he was introduced to the music of Arnold Schoenberg and other composers associated with the Second Viennese School. He later continued his studies with Luigi Dallapiccola in Italy and Ernst Krenek in California, before beginning his teaching career at Brandeis University in 1961.

As a composer, Boykan's works are characterized by their intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and rigorous attention to thematic development. He was particularly interested in the concept of musical narrative, exploring the ways in which music can convey stories and emotions over time. His notable works include "Voyages," a song cycle for soprano and piano on poems by Hart Crane , and "Summits," a piano piece in five movements.

In addition to his work as a composer, Boykan was a beloved professor and mentor to many students at Brandeis University, where he taught for over three decades. He was known for his wit, his deep love of music, and his commitment to helping young musicians develop their craft.

Martin Boykan passed away on April 14, 2021, at the age of 90. He left behind a legacy of innovative compositions and inspired teaching, and his work continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.