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Periodically Walter-Simmons.com will feature a particular
composer whose music we think you will enjoy. There will be a
brief description, a sample of his work, and some links that will
help you pursue further information. You may also search our database
for my writings on the composer. If you have any questions or
comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Previous Featured Composers: Lee
Hoiby, Robert Muczynski, Arnold
Rosner, Daniel Catán,
Robert Kurka, Paul
Moravec and Samuel Zyman.
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The composer we are featuring currently is
Carson Cooman, a dazzling figure rising meteorically on today’s
compositional scene. Born in Rochester, NY, in 1982, Cooman is a graduate
of both Harvard and Carnegie-Mellon Universities, where he studied with
Bernard Rands and Judith Weir, among others. He has written literally
hundreds of compositions, from choral anthems to operas, and his works
are performed widely in the United States and elsewhere. There are currently
at least ten compact discs devoted entirely to his music, and many more
that feature his work along with that of other composers.
Cooman’s music reflects his non-ideological attitude,
and ranges from the touchingly simple and diatonic (such as the song
linked below) to a variety of atonal approaches. Much of Cooman’s music
is religious, either explicitly or implicitly, and some of his works
explore the sense of contemplative rapture that appeals to many of today’s
composers of sacred music. One of his largest works of this kind is
an oratorio based on the writings of Julian of Norwich, recently released
on Albany Records (TROY1143).
In addition to composing, Cooman is also active as an
organist and music critic, and serves as a consultant to other composers
and music professionals.
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Listen to the song “Keep
Me,” one of Cooman’s loveliest pieces, from the cycle
Lingering, Lonely Callings, settings of poetry by Elizabeth
Kirschner.(Albany-TROY
1053)
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