Maury Yeston
Maury Yeston
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Maury Yeston is an American composer of musical theater and opera.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on November 23, 1945. (No death date available.)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Composer of Musical Theater and Opera
Early Life and Background
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Maury Yeston was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a family with a strong musical background. His father was a pianist, and his mother sang in the synagogue choir. This environment instilled in Yeston an appreciation for music from an early age.
Growing up, Yeston was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and musical theater. He began playing piano at the age of five and later studied composition at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Michigan.
Major Accomplishments
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Maury Yeston's career spans over four decades, with numerous accomplishments that have cemented his position as a leading composer of musical theater. Some of his most notable works include:
Phantom (1986): A rock opera that has been widely acclaimed for its innovative blend of music and drama.
Nine (1982): A musical based on Federico Fellini's film "8 1/2," which won the Tony Award for Best Original Score.
* Grand Hotel (1990): A musical adaptation of Vicki Baum's novel, which was nominated for six Tony Awards.
Notable Works or Actions
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Throughout his career, Yeston has been recognized for his unique approach to musical composition. He is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional musical theater and exploring new ways to combine music and drama.
In addition to his work as a composer, Yeston has also been involved in various educational initiatives aimed at promoting musical theater and opera. He has taught at several institutions, including Yale University and New York University.
Impact and Legacy
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Maury Yeston's impact on the world of musical theater cannot be overstated. His innovative compositions have inspired a new generation of composers and playwrights, and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional musical theater has helped to shape the art form into what it is today.
Yeston's legacy extends beyond his own work as well. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including multiple Tony Award nominations and a Drama Desk Special Award for outstanding contribution to the arts.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Maury Yeston is widely quoted and remembered for his innovative approach to musical composition and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional musical theater. His work has had a lasting impact on the art form, and he continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
His ability to blend different styles and genres has created some truly iconic pieces of music that have stood the test of time. From Phantom to Nine, his compositions continue to captivate audiences with their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance.
As a composer, Yeston's legacy is one of innovation and creativity. He has inspired countless others in the field and will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of musical theater for years to come.
Quotes by Maury Yeston
In a play, a man comes out and says something. Another man comes out and says something. And by the end of the night, we've learned something we didn't know, In a musical, there is singing and dancing for two hours, but you've got to know everything in 5 minutes. Do it in those 5 minutes or you'll lose them.
Not every story in history has a beginning, a middle and an end, but the wreck of the Titanic does. It begins when they leave, in the middle it hits an iceberg, and in the final two hours, the ship sinks.
As we get older... I don't know a single person who has devoted their life to musical theatre who hasn't had a couple of misses as well as a bunch of hits. The misses, we learn a great deal from them.
Back in the Stone Age, before there were workshops, it was a very difficult idea to get into musical theatre. Normally, you would be a chorus girl or boy and write something. People would get their start as rehearsal pianists or dance assistants.
The second-class couple is far closer to what the audience is today. It's who we are.
I started playing the piano, pretty much on my own, when I was 5, and I started writing music when I was 7. In fact, I won a composition award. It was a crummy little piece, but I won with it.
Every show is a mess at its first preview. No one's had enough time to rehearse in costumes, traffic patterns backstage haven't been worked out, machinery weighing thousands of pounds is being operated for the first time. And, also, it's the first time all the material you've written is before the public.
Rodgers & Hart had a few flops before they clicked. You know, it happens. I don't know anyone who always gets away with everything.