La Monte Young
La Monte Young: Visionary Composer and Artist
Full Name and Common Aliases
La Monte Young was born on October 8, 1935, in Bernice, Oklahoma. His full name is La Monte Young, although he is often referred to as La Monte.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth: October 8, 1935
Still Alive
Nationality and Profession(s)
American composer, musician, and artist
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Oklahoma, Young was exposed to the natural world from an early age. His family moved frequently, eventually settling in Tulsa, where he developed a passion for music and art. He began playing piano at 12 and was influenced by jazz and classical music.
Young attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a scholarship, studying composition with Lloyd Hildebrand and Leon Kirchner. However, his time at USC was marked by experimentation and rebellion against traditional musical forms. In 1958, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music and art.
Major Accomplishments
Young is often credited as one of the pioneers of minimalism in Western classical music. His work from the late 1950s and early 1960s laid the groundwork for the minimalist movement. He collaborated with John Cage, Morton Feldman, and other influential composers to push the boundaries of musical expression.
Some of his notable compositions include:
"Composition 1960 #7 (Echoes)" (1960): A piece that explores the relationship between sound and silence.
"The Well-Tuned Piano" (1964-2006): A work that showcases Young's interest in tuning the piano to specific frequencies.
Young also worked with artists such as Yoko Ono, Robert Rauschenberg, and Donald Judd on various projects. His influence extends beyond music to the world of art and architecture.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works include:
"The Well-Tuned Piano," a work that showcases Young's interest in tuning the piano to specific frequencies.
"Composition 1960 #7 (Echoes)," which explores the relationship between sound and silence.
* "Dream House," an ongoing installation that incorporates music, art, and architecture.
Young has also been involved in various collaborations with other artists, including Yoko Ono and Robert Rauschenberg. His influence extends beyond music to the world of art and architecture.
Impact and Legacy
La Monte Young's innovative approach to music and art has had a profound impact on modern culture. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of minimalism, which has influenced countless musicians and artists.
Young's work continues to inspire new generations of creatives. His emphasis on experimentation and exploration has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music and art.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
La Monte Young is widely quoted and remembered for his innovative approach to music and art, as well as his influence on modern culture. His emphasis on experimentation and exploration has inspired countless musicians and artists.
Quotes by La Monte Young
One of the aspects of form that I have been very interested in is stasis – the concept of form which is not so directional in time, not so much climactic form, but rather form which allows time, to stand still.
I think the fact that I created something and had an enormous influence is indisputable.
Give people knowledge and they really eat it up and they appreciate it a lot and the more that knowledge is made available to people, the more they will utilize it and let it be a part of them.
One of the aspects of form that I have been very interested in is stasis - the concept of form which is not so directional in time, not so much climactic form, but rather form which allows time, to stand still.