Ned Rorem

Ned Rorem 1923-, American composer and author, b. Richmond, Ind. He is basically romantic in approach, determinedly tonal, and often lyrical. Although he has written a wide range of compositions, including chamber and choral music, symphonies, and tone poems, Rorem is best known for his vocal works, e.g., Air Music (1975; Pulitzer), 5 Prayers for the Young (1977), Evidence of Things Unseen (1997), and the operas Miss Julie (1965), based on Strindberg 's drama, and Our Town (2006), adapted from Thornton Wilder 's play. From his Paris Diary (1966) to Knowing When to Stop (1994) and Lies: A Diary, 1986-1999 (2000), Rorem also has published a series of urbane and deftly written journals and memoirs.

Bibliography: See A Ned Rorem Reader (2001).

Rorem, Ned (b Richmond, Ind., 1923). Amer. composer and author. Worked in NY as copyist to Virgil Thomson. Lived in Morocco and Paris 1949–58. Studied in Fr. with Honegger, 1951–2. In 1951–5 wrote The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem, entertaining journal, pubd. 1966. Recipient of several awards and fellowships. Prof. of mus., Buffalo Univ. 1959–61, prof. of comp. Utah Univ. 1965–7. Taught at Curtis Inst. 1980–6. The influence of Poulenc is discernible in his many songs, of which he is the foremost Amer. composer. His orch. works are colourful and he sometimes uses a modified serial technique. Has written several other books, incl. Critical Affairs, A Composer's Journal (1970), and Setting the Tone (1983).