A Chinese-American soldier and composer who served in World War II and later wrote symphonies and chamber music, blending Eastern and Western styles. His music is known for its lyricism and emotional depth.
Benjamin Lees, an American composer of classical music, is known for his rejection of atonalism and Americana, instead embracing classical structures in his works. With a unique style that blended the bittersweet melodic style of Prokofiev and the surrealist aspects of Bartok's music, Lees left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.
Born Benjamin George Lisniansky on January 8, 1924, in Harbin, Manchuria, to Russian-Jewish parents, Lees' family emigrated to the United States when he was just an infant. Settling in California, Lees began piano lessons at the age of five with Kiva Ihil Rodetsky in San Francisco. He became an American citizen at seven and continued his musical education in Los Angeles under Marguerite Bitter.
In his early twenties, Lees studied composition under Halsey Stevens at the University of Southern California. However, it was his four-year mentorship with George Antheil that proved to be a turning point in his career. Antheil, impressed by Lees' compositions, offered guidance that Lees later credited with changing his life.
Lees' hard work and dedication earned him several prestigious awards, including the Fromm Foundation Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1954. The latter allowed him to live in Europe, where he developed his unique style away from the prevailing trends in American art music.
Upon his return to the United States in 1961, Lees divided his time between composition and teaching at several esteemed institutions, including the Peabody Conservatory, Queens College, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School. His compositions, characterized by rhythmic activity and frequent changes, showcased his mastery of classical structures.
Benjamin Lees' rejection of convention and his commitment to classical forms have left a lasting impact on the world of classical music. His unique style, shaped by his mentorship with Antheil and his experiences in Europe, continues to inspire and influence composers today.
Through his life and work, Benjamin Lees demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his artistic vision, leaving behind a body of work that continues to enrich the world of classical music.
