Biography

“Innate boldness”, “immediacy of expression”, and “personal warmth” are a few of

the phrases used to describe the music of American composer, John Frantzen. His

distinctive stye, which combines a diverse orchestral palette with exciting electro-

acoustic sound-scapes, has earned commissions and praise from musicians and

audiences throughout the United States.

Influenced by the work of Aaron Copland, W.A. Mathieu, and Carl Orff, Frantzen’s

musical language is rooted in the elemental sonic happenings of everyday life,

especially the patterns and intonations of human speech. Combining this foundation

with cutting edge technological innovation and an approach to rhythm he calls

“linear tonality”, his compositions offer new ways of perceiving and structuring

musical form.

On the concert stage Frantzen has fulfilled commissions from a variety of professional

and educational ensembles. Notable commissions have included the orchestral work

Manhattan, for the Manhattan School of Music, Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra,

for the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, and Pater Noster, for a consortium of ten

university wind ensembles from across the United States.

Equally conversant in acoustic and electronic music, John’s latest commissions have

included collaborations with artists in film, theater, multi-media, and visual arts. Recent

premieres have taken place in an array of venues including New York’s Symphony

Space, the 2007 New York International Latino Film Festival, John C. Borden Hall’s

Helix Series, New York University, Loyola University (Chicago) theater, and the

Dubuque (IA) Art Museum.

A native of Iowa, John completed graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music

working with composer Richard Danielpour. Published by Falls House Press and

Frantzen MusicPress, he currently resides in Los Angeles.