David Lang is a contemporary American composer whose innovative approach to composition has established him as a significant figure in the world of classical and experimental music. Born on January 8, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, Lang pursued his music education at Stanford University, the University of Iowa, and Yale University, where he received his Doctorate of Musical Arts. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been recognized for his eclectic style, which often combines classical music traditions with modernist twists, creating pieces that are both intellectually compelling and emotionally resonant.

Lang's body of work is extensive and varied, encompassing a wide range of musical forms, including opera, choral works, chamber pieces, and film scores. In his recent releases such as "man made (Live)," "The Village Detective: A Song Cycle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)," and "David Lang: prisoner of the state," Lang continues to push boundaries and explore new territories. His compositions often reflect a profound engagement with language and text, which can be seen in works like "The So-Called Laws of Nature" and "David Lang: Love Fail (Version for Women's Chorus)." As a co-founder and co-artistic director of the renowned music collective Bang on a Can, Lang has played an integral role in fostering a supportive community for both emerging and established artists. His contributions to contemporary music have not gone unnoticed; he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2008 for "The Little Match Girl Passion," based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Gospel according to Matthew, cementing his status as a transformative voice in 21st-century composition.

Genres

21st Century Classical

American 21st Century Classical

Contemporary Classical

Post-minimalism

Related Artists

Philip Glass

Nico Muhly

Max Richter

John Adams

Arvo Pärt

Peter Broderick

Steve Reich

Bryce Dessner

Caroline Shaw

Ólafur Arnalds

Jóhann Jóhannsson

Nils Frahm

Latest Release

darker

David Lang

Single - Released October 4, 2024