A pioneer of electronic and experimental music, known for creating interactive compositions that incorporate technology and improvisation. He's also a producer who has worked with various avant-garde artists.
David Behrman is a renowned American composer and a trailblazer in the realm of computer music. He is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in combining computer-generated sounds with live performances, shaping the course of electronic music in the 1960s and beyond.
Born on August 16, 1937, Behrman grew up in a family steeped in the arts. His father, S. N. Behrman, was a successful playwright and Hollywood screenplay writer, while his mother, Elza Heifetz Behrman, was the sister of the celebrated violinist Jascha Heifetz. This rich cultural heritage laid the foundation for Behrman's future creative pursuits.
Behrman's educational journey took him to the esteemed Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he forged lifelong friendships with fellow artists, including Carl Andre, Hollis Frampton, and Frank Stella. During his summer camp days at Indian Hill in 1953, he received mentorship from modern music composer Wallingford Riegger. Behrman later attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 and solidified his friendship with composer and pianist Frederic Rzewski.
Beyond his own creative endeavors, Behrman has shared his knowledge and expertise with future generations. He has taught at various institutions, including the California Institute of the Arts, Ohio State University, Rutgers University, and Technische Universität Berlin. Currently, he is a faculty member of the Avery Graduate Arts Program at Bard College, a position he has held since 1998.
One of Behrman's most notable collaborations was with fellow composers Robert Ashley, Alvin Lucier, and Gordon Mumma, with whom he co-founded the Sonic Arts Union in 1966. This collective aimed to push the boundaries of electronic music, showcasing their innovative works to audiences worldwide.
Behrman's music is characterized by its minimalist approach, often incorporating interactions between live performers and computers. His debut album, On the Other Ocean, released in 1978, was a pioneering work that combined computer-generated sounds with live instruments, setting a new standard for electronic music.
Throughout his career, Behrman has composed music for various disciplines, including dance. His collaborations with Merce Cunningham, a renowned choreographer, resulted in seminal works such as Walkaround Time (1968), Rebus (1975), Pictures (1984), and Eyespace 40 (2007).
Behrman's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, among others.
David Behrman's trailblazing work in computer music has had a profound impact on modern society. His innovative approach has inspired generations of musicians, composers, and producers, influencing the course of electronic music and its subgenres. His legacy continues to resonate, shaping the soundscapes of contemporary art, film, and popular culture.
Beyond the realm of music, Behrman's contributions have paved the way for technological advancements in various fields, from digital art to sound design. His pioneering spirit has inspired a new wave of creators, fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology and art.
In conclusion, David Behrman's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond. As a pioneer of computer music, he continues to inspire and innovate, shaping the cultural landscape of our time.
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