David Lang, American composer and academic

David Lang, an eminent American composer born on January 8, 1957, is a pivotal figure in contemporary classical music, residing and creating within the vibrant artistic landscape of New York City. His unique compositional voice often bridges the gap between classical traditions and modern influences, including rock and popular music, making his work both intellectually profound and emotionally accessible to a broad audience.

The Genesis of Bang on a Can: A New Music Collective

Lang is widely recognized as a visionary co-founder of the influential musical collective Bang on a Can. Established in 1987 alongside fellow composers Michael Gordon and Julia Wolfe, Bang on a Can emerged from a desire to redefine the presentation and perception of new music. This groundbreaking organization quickly became a beacon for experimental and minimalist composers, fostering a dynamic environment through its celebrated marathon concerts, extensive commissioning projects, and the Bang on a Can All-Stars ensemble. Their mission has been to champion adventurous contemporary music, breaking down traditional barriers between genres and audiences, significantly impacting the global new music scene.

Pulitzer Prize for Music: The Little Match Girl Passion

A landmark achievement in Lang's career came with the prestigious 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Music, awarded for his profound and innovative work, The Little Match Girl Passion. This hauntingly beautiful piece reimagines Hans Christian Andersen's poignant fairy tale of a suffering young girl through the lens of Johann Sebastian Bach's St Matthew Passion. Lang ingeniously adapts the structure and spiritual depth of Bach's oratorio, replacing the traditional narrative of Christ's suffering with the tragic story of the match girl. The work’s sparse instrumentation and evocative vocal lines create a powerful, meditative experience that resonates deeply with themes of poverty, hope, and compassion.

The critical acclaim for The Little Match Girl Passion extended globally, culminating in a 2010 Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance. This highly coveted award recognized the masterful interpretation by Paul Hillier and the Theatre of Voices, whose sensitive and precise rendition brought Lang's intricate score to life, solidifying its place as a modern masterpiece in the choral repertoire.

Academy Award Nomination: "Simple Song #3" from Youth

Lang's versatility as a composer also extends to the realm of film. He garnered an Academy Award nomination for "Simple Song #3," a captivating original song featured in Paolo Sorrentino's critically acclaimed 2015 film, Youth. The song, exquisitely performed in the film by South Korean soprano Sumi Jo, serves as a poignant emotional core for the movie, reflecting on themes of aging, memory, and the enduring power of art. This nomination underscored Lang's ability to craft compelling narratives and emotional landscapes not only in the concert hall but also on the silver screen, demonstrating his wide-ranging artistic reach and appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions about David Lang

When was David Lang born?
David Lang was born on January 8, 1957.
What is Bang on a Can?
Bang on a Can is a groundbreaking musical collective co-founded by David Lang, Michael Gordon, and Julia Wolfe in 1987. It is dedicated to commissioning, performing, and promoting new and experimental music, known for its marathon concerts and a commitment to accessible contemporary works.
For what work did David Lang win the Pulitzer Prize for Music?
David Lang was awarded the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his composition, The Little Match Girl Passion.
Which film featured David Lang's Academy Award-nominated song?
David Lang received an Academy Award nomination for "Simple Song #3" from the 2015 film Youth, directed by Paolo Sorrentino.
What is David Lang's compositional style often described as?
David Lang's style is often associated with post-minimalism and contemporary classical music, blending classical rigor with elements from popular music and a strong emotional directness.