Wuorinen, Charles (1938– )

US composer, conductor, and pianist. His early works are tonal but he was later influenced by Varèse, Babbitt, and serial technique.

He studied at Columbia University, and taught there 1964–71.

Works Orchestral three symphonies (1958–59), four chamber concertos (1957–59), Evolutio transcripta for orchestra (1961), two piano concertos (1966, 1974), Contrafactum for orchestra (1969), concerto for amplified violin and orchestra (1971), Percussion Symphony (1976), Bamboula Squared for orchestra (1983), Concerto for saxophone quartet and orchestra (1993), The Mission of Virgil for orchestra (1993).

Chamber Dr Faustus Lights the Light for narrator and instruments (1957), octet (1962), string trio (1968), chamber concerto (1970), wind quintet (1977), horn trio (1981), three string quartets (1971, 1979, 1987), Saxophone quartet (1992).

Voice and ensemble Symphonia sacra for vocal soloists and instrumental ensemble (1961), The Prayer of Jonah for voices and string quintet (1962).

Other the masque The Politics of Harmony (1967), ‘baroque burlesque’ The Whore of Babylon (1975); The Celestial Sphere, sacred oratorio for chorus and orchestra (1979); electronic music.