Vivian Fine

Full biography Vivian Fine

Vivian Fine (1913-2000) was a highly regarded American composer who enjoyed a career spanning over 70 years. She was born in Chicago on September 28, 1913, and at the age of five, it was already clear that she was a gifted musician.

Throughout her career, Fine wrote over 140 works, becoming one of America's most important composers. Her output included works in a variety of genres, including orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal and solo instrumental music, and were characterized by their inventive and often experimental nature.

Fine was a member of Aaron Copland's Young Composers' Group and wrote for choreographers , including Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey. She was influenced by a variety of musical styles, including jazz, folk music, and the music of the Second Viennese School. She incorporated these influences into her own music, creating a sound that was uniquely her own.

Fine's music is noted for its complex rhythms, intricate textures, and angular melodies. Her early works, from 1937 to 1944, are characterized by a more diatonic style of writing. She often employed the poetry of Shakespeare, Racine, and other literary giants in her vocal works.

Throughout her career, Fine earned numerous awards and accolades for her work. In 1993, she received the Aaron Copland award, one of the highest honors for American composers. She also worked as a music educator in various institutions, including Bennington College in Vermont, and was regarded as a mentor to many young composers.

Overall, Vivian Fine was a unique and revered figure in the field of American classical music. Her contributions to the world of music continue to be celebrated and she remains an inspiration to many composers working today.