Karlins, M(artin) William

Karlins, M(artin) William , American composer and teacher; b. N.Y., Feb. 25, 1932. He studied in N.Y. with Frederick Piket (1954–57), Gianinni at the Manhattan School of Music (1958–61), and with Wolpe (1960–61) before completing his training with Bezanson and Hervig at the Univ. of Iowa (1963-65; Ph.D., 1965). From 1965 to 1967 he taught at Western 111. Univ. in Macomb. In 1967 he became an assoc. prof., in 1973 a prof., and in 1998 the Harry N. and Ruth F. Wyatt Prof, of Music Theory at Northwestern Univ. in Evanston.

Works

orch:Concert Music I (1959), III (1963-64), IV (1964), and V (1972-73); Reflux, concerto for Amplified Double Bass and Solo Wind Ensemble, Piano, and Percussion (1971–72); Sym. No. 1 (1979–80); Catena I for Little Orch. and Clarinet Obbligato (1980–81) and III, horn concerto (1983); Alto Saxophone Concerto (1981–82); Elegy (1992). band:Passacaglia and Rounds (1970). chamber: Concerto grosso I for 9 Instruments (1959–60) and II for 7 Instruments (1961); String Quartet (1960); Birthday Music I for Flute, Bass Clarinet, and Double Bass (1962) and II for Flute and Double Bass (1963); String Trio (1962–63); Little Pieces for 4 Double Basses (1962); 4 Inventions and a Fugue for Bassoon, Piano, and Optional Woman’s Voice (1962); Solo Piece with Passacaglia for Clarinet (1964); Variations on “Obiter dictum” for Cello, Piano, and Percussion (1965); Blues for Saxophone Quartet (1965); Music for Oboe, Bass Clarinet, and Piano (1966); Music for Cello Alone I (1966) and II (1969); 3 saxophone quartets (1966-67; 1975; Night Light, 1992-93); Lamentations: In Memoriam for Speaker, Organ, Flutes, Brass, Harp, and Percussion (1968); Music for English Horn and Piano (1968); Music for Alto Saxophone and Piano (1968); Music for Tenor Saxophone and Piano (1969); Graphic Mobile for Any 3 or Multiples of 3 Instruments (1969); 2 woodwind quintets (1970; 1977-78); Celebration for Flute, Oboe, and Harpsichord (1970); Quintet for Alto Saxophone and String Quartet (1973–74); Infinity for Oboe d’Amore, Clarinet, Viola, and Woman’s Voice (1978); Fantasia for Tenor Saxophone and Percussion (1978–79); Fanfare with Fugato for Cello, 2 Trumpets, and 2 Trombones (1981); Catena II for Soprano Saxophone and Brass Quintet (1982); Impromptu for Alto Saxophone and Organ or Electric Keyboard or Piano (1985–86); Seasons for Saxophone (1987); Saxtuper for Alto Doubling on Soprano Saxophone, Tuba, and Percussion (1989); Introduction and Passacaglia for 2 Saxophones and Piano (1990); Nostalgie for Saxophone Ensemble (1991); Under and Over for Flute Doubling Alto Flute and Contrabass (1994); Kindred Spirits for Mandolin, Guitar, and Harp (1997–98); Yesterday’s Memories for Soprano Saxophone and Piano (1999). keyboard: piano:3 sonatas (1959, 1962, 1965); Outgrowths-Variations (1961); Suite of Preludes (1988); Humble Harvest (1999-2000). Organ: Obiter dictum (1964). harpsichord:Chameleon (1984); Drei Kleine Cembalostücke (1994). vocal:Children’s Bedtime Songs for Chorus (1955); 3 Love Songs for Men’s Chorus (1957); Concert Music II for Chorus and Orch. (1960); Song for Soprano, Alto Flute, and Cello (1963; rev. 2000); 3 Poems for Chorus (1966); 3 Songs for Soprano, Flute, and Piano (1967); Returning the Scroll to the Arc for Cantor and Organ (1985); Looking Out My Window for Treble Chorus and Viola (1990).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire