Easley Blackwood, born on April 21, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a prominent figure in American classical music—both as a composer and a pianist. Blackwood's rich educational background is rooted in the prestigious music programs of Yale University and the University of Chicago, where he was mentored by renowned composers such as Paul Hindemith and Roger Sessions. His unique compositional voice reflects a deep exploration of musical structures and theory, which has contributed to his reputation as an innovator in the field.

Over the course of his career, Blackwood has become especially noted for his work with microtonal music—which uses intervals smaller than the conventional semitones of Western music—and for his performances and recordings of both classical repertoire and his original compositions. His body of work encompasses a wide variety of forms and styles, ranging from symphonies and chamber music to solo instrumental pieces. Among his recent releases are his Symphonies Nos. 1 and 5, reflecting his skill in the orchestral realm, and numerous chamber works, such as his String Quartet Nos. 1-3 and the album "Blackwood: Chamber Music for Piano and Strings." Blackwood's recordings often showcase his dual talents, as seen in collections like "Blackwood: Piano Music" and "Blackwood, Easley: Radical Piano," which feature his precise and thoughtful piano playing. His recordings of Clarinet Sonatas by both himself and Max Reger, as well as his cello sonatas interpreted alongside those of Frank Bridge, demonstrate his keen interest in enriching the repertoire for these instruments with his compositions and scholarly interpretations.

Genres

American Contemporary Classical

Microtonal

Xenharmonic

Latest Release

Acoustic Microtonal

Easley Blackwood

Album - 12 Tracks - Released January 19, 2024