In Memoriam ArnolD roSnER, op. 214 (2013)

Leonard Lehrman (b. 1949) — In Memoriam ArnolD roSnER, op. 214 (2013) for organ

“In Memoriam ArnolD roSnER” (2013) was composed for Carson Cooman in memory of a mutual friend of Lehrman’s and Cooman’s, the composer Arnold Rosner (1945–2013). The piece, marked “tranquilly,” is based upon several letters (the capitalized ones of the title) in Rosner’s name, converted into pitches and used as the initial notes of a theme that uses all 12 tones. The generally contemplative mood is interrupted twice with slightly more energetic music, before it returns again to the introspective mood.

American composer and pianist Leonard J. Lehrman (b. 1949) was educated at Harvard and Cornell Universities and has composed more than 200 pieces, including 16 operas and musicals. He has performed frequently as a pianist, especially in collaboration soprano Helene Williams. He is the leading expert on the music of Marc Blitzstein (1905–64) and has edited and completed many Blitzstein works and a bio-bibliography. He has held positions as organist and choir director at numerous churches and synagogues throughout Long Island, New York.