David Behrman, a celebrated American composer of great distinction, came into this world on August 16, 1937, in the picturesque city of Salzburg, Austria. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been distinguished by numerous significant accomplishments, including his tenure as the producer of Columbia Records' Music of Our Time series during the early 1960s. This esteemed series, which notably featured the first recording of Terry Riley's seminal work In C, exemplifies Behrman's discerning taste for innovative and pioneering music.
In the year 1966, a groundbreaking event took place when Behrman joined forces with a trio of innovative thinkers, namely Robert Ashley, Alvin Lucier, and Gordon Mumma, to co-found the Sonic Arts Union.
This esteemed collective, comprising four visionary pioneers in the field of music, made a profound impact on the development of computer music and electronic composition, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of these art forms.
Through their collaborative efforts, the Sonic Arts Union pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in the realm of electronic music, laying the groundwork for future generations of composers and musicians to build upon.
Behrman, along with his fellow co-founders, was instrumental in shaping the course of computer music and electronic composition, his contributions serving as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the world of art.
The legacy of the Sonic Arts Union continues to inspire and influence artists to this day, a testament to the enduring impact of Behrman and his fellow pioneers on the world of music.
The illustrious career of Behrman has been marked by a series of notable collaborations, most notably with the highly respected choreographer Merce Cunningham. As a composer, Behrman has had the privilege of creating original scores for a number of Cunningham's esteemed dance productions, each one showcasing his unique talent and skill.
One such notable collaboration was the creation of the score for Cunningham's 1968 production, "Walkaround Time". This groundbreaking work was a significant milestone in the careers of both Behrman and Cunningham, and marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the two artists.
In the years that followed, Behrman and Cunningham continued to work together on a number of other notable projects. One such project was the 1975 production, "Rebus", which featured a score composed by Behrman that was both innovative and groundbreaking. This work was a testament to the creative genius of both Behrman and Cunningham, and further cemented their reputation as two of the most innovative and influential artists of their time.
The 1980s saw Behrman and Cunningham continue to push the boundaries of their work, with the 1984 production, "Pictures", being a prime example of this. This work featured a score composed by Behrman that was both beautiful and haunting, and was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
In recent years, Behrman and Cunningham have continued to work together on a number of projects, including the 2007 production, "Eyespace 40". This work was a testament to the enduring creative partnership between the two artists, and marked a significant milestone in their illustrious careers.
Overall, the collaborations between Behrman and Cunningham have been a significant part of their careers, and have resulted in a body of work that is both innovative and groundbreaking.
