David Rakowski
Degrees
Princeton University, Ph.D.Princeton University, M.F.A.
New England Conservatory, B.M.
Expertise
Composition. Theory and analysis. Orchestration. Teaching Music.Profile
David Rakowski's music has been noted for its originality, its explosive high energy, its visceral surface, its unusual and quirky turns, its meticulous attention to detail, and its unfaltering sense of form and proportion. He writes both in large forms (ten concertos and seven symphonies) and small forms (200 published piano études and préludes, dozens of chamber works, nine song cycles, music for children). His most well-known and well-regarded music is his set of 100 high-energy piano études, which are regularly performed worldwide. He recently finished a set of 100 piano préludes, and a third piano concerto for pianist Geoffrey Burleson. He has received the Rome Prize, the Elise L. Stoeger Prize from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (for "significant contributions to the chamber music repertory"), the Barlow Prize, two Fromm Foundation commissions, two Koussevitzky Foundation commissions, a Guggenheim fellowship, the Chevillion-Bonnaud Composition Prize from the Orlèans International Piano Competition, and he has twice been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; he also received the Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer '69 Prize for Teaching and Mentoring from Brandeis. He was the Maurice Abravanel Distinguished Visiting Composer at the University of Utah twice, a Master Artist at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the Karel Husa Visiting Professor of Composition at the Ithaca College School of Music. In 2016, he was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.Rakowski's music is published by C.F. Peters New York, and recorded on Bridge, BMOP/sound, Albany, CRI, Americus, Ravello, Altissimo, Centaur, ECM, XAS, Avie Records, Mark Records, and Blue Griffin.
Rakowski previously taught at Stanford University and Columbia University before joining the faculty of Brandeis in 1995. He has also taught at Harvard University and New England Conservatory, and at various summer festivals. Webpage
Courses Taught
| MUS | 5a | The Beginner's Toolbox: Fundamentals of Music Notation and Performance |
| MUS | 101a | Western Classical and Popular Music I: How It's Made, Part 1 |
| MUS | 101b | Theory and Musicianship I: Part 2 |
| MUS | 106a | Undergraduate Composition |
| MUS | 172b | Proseminar in Theory and Composition |
| MUS | 175a | Instrumentation and Orchestration |
| MUS | 200b | Teaching Music |
| MUS | 292a | Seminar in Composition |
| MUS | 292b | Seminar in Composition |
Awards and Honors
Distinguished Guest Composer, Red Note Music Festival (2020)
Residency at Liguria Study Center, Bogliasco Foundation, Bogliasco, Italy (2018)
Maurice Abravanel Distinguished Visiting Composer, University of Utah (second residency) (2017)
Inducted into membership, American Academy of Arts and Letters (2016)
Residency, Hambidge Foundation (2015)
Residency, Ragdale Foundation (2015)
Five Friends Visiting Composer, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University (2014)
Barlow Lecture, Brigham Young University (2012)
Karel Husa Visiting Professor of Music, Ithaca College School of Music (2012 - 2013)
Camargo Foundation residency, Cassis, France (2011)
Maurice Abravanel Distinguished Visiting Composer, University of Utah (2010)
Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer '69 Prize for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring, Brandeis University (2009)
Civitella Ranieri Foundation, Umbertide, Italy. Residency June-July (2008)
Barlow Prize, Barlow Endowment. Commission for "Cantina" for premiere by five wind ensembles. (2006)
Chevillion-Bonnaud composition prize, Concours international de piano d'Orlèans, France. (2006)
Koussevitzky Music Foundation commission, Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Marilyn Nonken, for Piano Concerto. (2006)
Residency at Liguria Study Center, Bogliasco Foundation, Italy. (2006)
Master Artist, Atlantic Center for the Arts (2005)
Walter W. Naumburg Chair (2005)
Elise L. Stoeger Prize, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center "for contributions to the chamber music repertory" (2004 - 2006)
First Prize, International Horn Society composition competition (2003)
Finalist, Pulitzer Prize in Music (Ten of a Kind) (2002)
Fromm Foundation commission (Études Book V) (2002)
American Academy of Arts and Letters: Arts and Letters Award in Music (2000)
Composer-in-residence, Bowdoin Summer Music Festival (1999)
Distinguished Guest Composer, Composers Conference at Wellesley College (1999)
Finalist, Pulitzer Prize in Music (Persistent Memory) (1999)
Koussevitzky Music Foundation commission for Ensemble 21 for "Sesso e Violenza" (1996)
Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust Commission for Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (1995)
Rome Prize (Hedwig Van Ameringen Fellowship), 1995-1996 (1995 - 1996)
Fromm Foundation Commission (Hyperblue, for the Itzkoff-Shapiro-Rider Trio) (1991)
Residencies at Yaddo (also 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2018) (1991)
Residency at Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Study and Conference Center (1991)
National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship (1990)
Residencies at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (also 1992, 1996-7, 2000, 2003, 2005-6, 2013, 2018) (1990)
Residencies at the MacDowell Colony (also 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010-11, 2015, 2018) (1990)
Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship (1989)
BMI Awards to Student Composers (Violin Concerto) (1983)
BMI Awards to Student Composers (Variations) (1982)
Joseph H. Bearns Prize, Columbia University (1982)
Tanglewood Music Center Margaret Lee Crofts Fellowship in Composition (1982)
George W. Chadwick Medal, New England Conservatory (1980)
Scholarship
Rakowski, David. 6:20 (saxophone quartet, 16 minutes). CF Peters, forthcoming, 2022.
Rakowski, David. Open Season (solo viola, 8 minutes). CF Peters, forthcoming, 2022.
Rakowski, David. Catch Me If You Can (piano trio, 17 minutes). CF Peters New York, forthcoming, 2021.
Rakowski, David. Penalty Box (piano solo) 8-1/2'. CF Peters New York, 2021.
Rakowski, David. Piano Concerto No. 3 (piano/melodica/melodion/Andes keyboard and orchestra) 55 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2021.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book X (2020, piano solo) 34 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2020.
Rakowski, David. Composer. "Cantina" for wind ensemble. New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds, William Drury, conductor.. Mark Records 55759-CD, 2020.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book IX (2019, ca. 35 minutes) piano solo. CF Peters New York, 2019.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book VIII (2017-2019, 34 minutes) piano solo. CF Peters New York, 2019.
Rakowski, David. Seven Teeny Duets (piano 4 hands). CF Peters New York, 2019.
Rakowski, David. The Squeaky Wheel (1-1/2 minutes written in 1998) solo E-flat clarinet. CF Peters New York, 2019.
Rakowski, David. Composer. "Compass" for saxophone quartet, recorded by the Iridium Quartet. Blue Griffin Recording 481, 2019.
Rakowski, David. Composer. "Mind the Gap (18)", "Ghepardo" and "Wayo" on "...nobody move...", Sarah Bob, piano. Avie Recordings, AV 2401, 2019.
Rakowski, David. "Quietude" (étude #97, 2010) in "Three Piano Miniatures". CF Peters New York, Edition 68631a, 2018.
Rakowski, David. Eighters Gonna Eight (21 minutes) Two pianos, eight hands. CF Peters New York Edition 68636, 2018.
Rakowski, David. Lee (2018, 21 minutes). Flute/picc, oboe, clarinet/basscl, altosax/barisax, horn, 2 percussion, harp, piano, string quartet.. CF Peters New York Edition 68663, 2018.
David Rakowski. Composer. "Compass" for saxophone quartet. On "Paradigm Lost", recorded by the Prism Saxophone Quartet. XAS Records, 2017.
Rakowski, David. Dream Logic (fl/picc., cl/bcl, vln, vc, pno/melodica/toy piano, perc) 22 minutes. CF Peters New York Edition 68664, 2017.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book VII (2016-17, 32 minutes) piano solo. CF Peters New York, 2017.
Rakowski, David. Symphony No. 7 (orchestra), 29 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2017.
Rakowski, David. The Ladies Who Lunch (arrangement and recomposition (2010) of the song by Sondheim, solo piano, 7 min.). Rilting Music/Hal Leonard, 2017.
Rakowski, David. Anniversary (solo piano, 2 minutes) commissioned by Lara Downes for Bernstein at 100 Anniversaries project. CF Peters New York Edition 68563, 2016.
Rakowski, David. Arabesques I Have Known (flute, clarinet, piano/Andes keyboard, violin, cello, percussion) 15 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2016.
Rakowski, David. Entre Nous (oboe and string quartet) 25 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2016.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book VI (piano solo) 32 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2016.
Rakowski, David. Violin Concerto No. 2 (violin and orchestra) 22 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2016.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Stolen Moments. Including Stolen Moments (2008/2010) for chamber orchestra and Piano Concerto No. 2 (2011) for piano/celesta and orchestra. Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor. Amy Briggs, piano/celesta soloist. BMOP/sound 1048, 2016.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Twelve-Step Program (étude #21) and A Gliss is Just a Gliss (étude #30) performed by Sung-Soo Cho, piano. Albany Records TROY 1617, 2016.
Rakowski, David. composer. Études, Vol. 4 (Études Book VIII and IX and two études from Book X) Amy Briggs, piano/celesta/toy piano. Bridge Records 9477, 2016.
Rakowski, David. All That Chas (clarinet and string trio) 11 minutes. 2015.
Rakowski, David. Natura Morta (piano quartet) 12 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2015.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book V (piano solo) 33 minutes. CF Peters New York 68329e, 2015.
Rakowski, David. Symphony in D (Symphony #6) (orchestra) 30 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2015.
Rakowski, David. arranger. "The Ladies Who Lunch" (the Sondheim song reimagined as a solo piano piece) on "Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim From the Piano", Anthony de Mare, piano. ECM Recordings, 2015.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book IV (solo piano) 30 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2014.
Rakowski, David. Terrestrial Planets (concerto for flute and wind ensemble). 20 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2014.
Rakowski, David. The Mystery of Deep Candor (soprano or mezzo-soprano and piano) 55 minutes. CF Peters NY, 2014.
Rakowski, David. Composer. "Sibling Revelry" on "From the Keyboard", "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. USMB-CD 29, 2014.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Exact Change (2011) for soprano saxophone and flute (performed by Jeffrey Loeffert and Mary Fukushima). Blue Griffin Recordings, 2014.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Hotfingers (piano solo, 2012) on "American Vernacular" performed by Nicholas Phillips. New Focus Recordings FCR 144, 2014.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Pied-a-Terre for violin and piano on "Music from Brandeis" with Daniel Stepner, violin, and Sally Pinkas, piano. Centaur Recordings, 2014.
Rakowski, David. Blue Horizon (piano solo) 5 minutes. C.F. Peters, New York, 2013.
Rakowski, David. Breakdown (violin, viola, 'cello, piano) 6-1/2 minutes. C.F. Peters 68610, 2013.
Rakowski, David. Dance Episodes (Symphony #5, orchestra) 23 minutes. 2013.
Rakowski, David. Elegia (clarinet choir (4 cl, 1 bcl), 2013) 4 minutes. CF Peters, 2013.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book III (solo piano) 30 minutes. Edition Peters New York, 2013.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Luccicare (solo 'cello) performed by Rhonda Rider. MSR Classics 1462, 2013.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Étude-Fantasies (piano four hands). Piano Duo Venti Dita 884501885508, 2013.
Rakowski, David. Double Shot (orchestra) 5 minutes. 2012.
Rakowski, David. Hotfingers (piano solo), 11 minutes. C.F. Peters, 2012.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book II (piano solo) 35 min.. CF Peters, 2012.
Rakowski, David. Symphony #4 "Scare Quotes" (orchestra) 24 minutes. C.F. Peters, 2012.
Rakowski, David. Waning Crescent (orchestra) 6-1/2 minutes. C.F. Peters, 2012.
Rakowski, David. Exact Change (flute and soprano saxophone) 8 minutes. CF Peters, New York, 2011.
Rakowski, David. Fred (string quartet) 4-1/2 minutes. 2011.
Rakowski, David. Ice to Rain (orchestra) 7 minutes. 2011.
Rakowski, David. Piano Concerto No. 2 (piano/celesta and orchestra) 42 minutes. 2011.
Rakowski, David. Thickly Settled (clarinet, violin, 'cello piano) 19 minutes. C.F. Peters New York, 2011.
Rakowski, David. 'Cell'Out (4 'cellos) 16 minutes. 2010.
Rakowski, David. Compass (saxophone quartet, 2010). 19 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2010.
Rakowski, David. Current Conditions (orchestra) 5 minutes. CF Peters, 2010.
Rakowski, David. Luccicare (solo 'cello), 6 minutes. CF Peters New York, 2010.
Rakowski, David. Préludes Book I (piano solo, 2010). 36 minutes. C.F. Peters, 2010.
Rakowski, David. Stolen Moments (arr. for chamber orchestra), 25 min.. 2010.
Rakowski, David. Talking Points (Right Wing Echo Chamber) (solo 'cello and 16 strings), 14 minutes. 2010.
Rakowski, David. Zyg Zag (fl/picc, ob, mandolin, guitar, vln, vc) 17 minutes. 2010.
Rakowski, David. Études Book X. C.F. Peters, 2010.
Rakowski, David. composer. Zipper Tango, on "Tangos for Piano" played by Amy Briggs. Ravello Records RR 7808, 2010.
Rakowski, David. AhChim AnGae (HaeGeum and string trio), 6 minutes. 2009.
Rakowski, David. Double Fantasy (piano trio) 4 minutes. 2009.
Rakowski, David. Mikronomicon (microconcerto for piano/melodica and small ensemble, 19 minutes). 2009.
Rakowski, David. Three Flutudes (solo flute, 2008-9) 13 minutes. 2009.
Rakowski, David. Étude-Fantasies (piano four hands for young performers) 7 minutes. C.F. Peters, 2009.
Rakowski, David. Études Book IX. CF Peters, 2009.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Winged Contraption. BMOP/Sound CD1009, 2009.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Études, Vol. 3. Bridge Records CD9310, 2009.
Rakowski, David. Etudes, Book VIII. CF Peters, 2008.
Rakowski, David. Phillis Levin Songs (voice and mixed quintet). 2008.
Rakowski, David. Stolen Moments (string quartet, woodwind quintet & piano). 2008.
Rakowski, David. Composer. E-Machines (etude #1). American Modern Recordings, 2008.
Rakowski, David. Composer. For Wittgenstein (voice & piano). Bridge Records CD9271, 2008.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Ten of a Kind (Lucerne performance). Tonstudio Amos CD5950, 2008.
Rakowski, David. Cantina (wind ensemble). CF Peters, 2007.
Rakowski, David. Etruscan March (from "Cantina"), 5 minutes. CF Peters, 2007.
Rakowski, David. Disparate Measures (piano quintet). 2006.
Rakowski, David. Etudes, Book VII. CF Peters, 2006.
Rakowski, David. Georgic (voice and piano). CF Peters, 2006.
Rakowski, David. Gli Uccelli di Bogliasco (flute/piccolo and 2 pianos). 2006.
Rakowski, David. Living Large (bass clarinet solo). 2006.
Rakowski, David. Piano Concerto (35 min. piano/toy piano and orchestra). CF Peters, 2006.
Rakowski, David. Sara. CF Peters, 2006.
Rakowski, David. Snaggle (hand drums). Calabrese Brothers Publishing, 2006.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Framer's Intent and Mr. Trampoline Man (from Snaggle). Capstone Records CPS-8773, 2006.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Sara, Three Encores, Georgic, and Musician. Bridge Records CD9199, 2006.
Rakowski,David. Inside Story (Piano Trio No. 3). 2005. CF Peters, (Piano trio).
Rakowski,David. Sex Songs (voice and mixed quintet). C.F. Peters, 2005.
Rakowski, David. Rule of Three (flute, clarinet, piano). CF Peters, 2004.
Rakowski,David. Sibling Revelry (wind ensemble). 2004. CF Peters.
Rakowski,David. Composer. Etudes Vol. 2. Bridge Records CD9157, 2004.
Rakowski,David. Composer. Martian Counterpoint. Albany Records, TROY 681, 2004.
Rakowski,David. Composer. Windy Nights and To Be Sung on the Water. Americus AMR20031020, 2004.
Rakowski, David. Violin Songs (voice and violin). 2003.
Rakowski, David. When the Bow Breaks (violin solo). CF Peters, 2003.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Locking Horns (horn concerto). Albany Records TROY 681, 2003.
Rakowski,David. Dream Symphony (Symphony No. 3). 2003. C.F. Peters, (Symphony for string orchestra).
Rakowski,David. Etudes Book VI. 2003. C.F. Peters.
Rakowski, David. Locking Horns (horn concerto). CF Peters, 2002.
Rakowski,David. Etudes Book V. 2002. C.F. Peters.
Rakowski,David. Composer. Etudes Volume 1. Bridge Records CD9121, 2002.
Rakowski,David. Etudes Book IV. 2001. C.F. Peters.
Rakowski,David. Composer. BAM!, Nocturnal, and Close Enough for Jazz (piano etudes). Innova CD 552, 2001.
Rakowski, David. Gut Reaction (clarinet, piano, string trio). CF Peters, 2000.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Ten of a Kind (Symphony #2) performed by United States Marine Band. USMB CD-17, 2000.
Rakowski,David. Ten of a Kind (Symphony No. 2). CF Peters, 2000.
Rakowski, David. Dances in the Dark (Pierrot ensemble plus percussion). CF Peters, 1999.
Rakowski, David. Pied-à-terre (violin and piano). CF Peters, 1999.
Rakowski, David. Rowell Come Back Now (5-string electric violin). CF Peters, 1999.
Rakowski,David. Etudes Book III. CF Peters, 1999.
Rakowski,David. Composer. Hyperblue (CRI CD 820). CRI, 1999.
Rakowski, David. Take Jazz Chords, Make Strange (clarinet and string quartet). CF Peters, 1998.
Rakowski,David. Etudes Book I. 1998. C.F. Peters, (Etudes for piano).
Rakowski,David. Etudes Book II. CF Peters, 1998.
Rakowski, David. Boy in the Dark (children's ballet). CF Peters, 1997.
Rakowski, David. Sesso e Violenza (mixed ensemble of 7 instruments). CF Peters, 1997.
Rakowski,David. Attitude Problem (Piano Trio No. 2). CF Peters, 1997.
Rakowski,David. Persistent Memory (chamber orchestra). CF Peters, 1997.
Rakowski, David. The Burning Woman Revisited (voice and clarinet). CF Peters, 1996.
Rakowski, David. Tight Fit ('cello and piano). CF Peters, 1996.
Rakowski, David. Two Can Play That Game (bass clarinet and marimba). CF Peters, 1996.
Rakowski,David. Attitude Problem (Piano Trio No. 2). CF Peters, 1996.
Rakowski, David. Mento (clarinet and piano). CF Peters, 1995.
Rakowski, David. Nothing but the Wind. 1995. CF Peters, New York. (Soprano and orchestra).
Rakowski, David. Weather Jazz (voice and 5 instruments). CF Peters, 1995.
Rakowski,David. A Loose Gathering of Words. 1995. CF Peters, New York. (Voice and mixed ensemble).
Rakowski,David. No Holds Barred. 1995. CF Peters, New York. (Concerto for cello and chamber orchestra).
Rakowski,David. Silently, A Wind Goes Over. 1995. CF Peters, New York. (Five songs for voice and piano).
Rakowski, David. Diverti. 1994. CF Peters, New York. (Clarinet and piano).
Rakowski, David. The Burning Woman (voice, clarinet, piano). CF Peters, 1994.
Rakowski, David. A Loose Gathering of Words (voice, cl, bcl, vla, vc, bass). CF Peters, 1993.
Rakowski, David. Firecat (flute and piano). CF Peters, 1993.
Rakowski, David. Hyperblue (Piano Trio No. 1). CF Peters, 1993.
Rakowski,David. Cerberus (triple clarinet concerto). 1992. CF Peters, New York. (Concerto for clarinet/bass clarinet and chamber orchestra).
Rakowski, David. Diverti (clarinet and piano). CF Peters, 1991.
Rakowski, David. Symphony No. 1 (voice and orchestra). CF Peters, 1991.
Rakowski, David. Three Encores (voice and piano). CF Peters, 1991.
Rakowski, David. Winged Contraption (orchestra). CF Peters, 1991.
Rakowski, David. Six Bogan Poems (voice, strings, harp and celesta). CF Peters, 1990.
Rakowski, David. Three Songs on Poems of Louise Bogan (voice and piano). CF Peters, 1988.
Rakowski, David. Slange (mixed octet). CF Peters, 1987.
Rakowski, David. Imaginary Dances (8 instruments). CF Peters, 1986.
Rakowski, David. Composer. Imaginary Dances (mixed octet, Speculum Musicae). CRI/New World CD617, 1986.
Rakowski, David. Concerto (violin and chamber orchestra). CF Peters, 1982.
Rakowski, David. Duo (violin and piano). CF Peters, 1981.