Ryterband, Roman

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Ryterband, Roman

Ryterband, Roman , Polish-born American pianist and composer; b. Łódźz, Aug. 2, 1914; d. Palm Springs, Calif., Nov. 17, 1979. After a period of study in Poland, he lived mostly in Switzerland; eventually settled in America, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1964. His works reflect Polish motifs; his harmonic idiom is mildly modernistic. His works include an “opera grotesque,” Fantomes rebelles, a music drama, A Border Incident, Sonata for 2 Flutes and Harp, Quintet for 2 Flutes, Viola, Cello, and Harpsichord, Russian Rhapsody for Orch., Suite polonaise for Piano, and assorted pieces for various instrumental combinations.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire