Deena T Grossman

“Igor Stravinsky said that it is only with limitations on musical material that creativity can flourish. I used only three words to inspire my composition: apart, together and contagion. Keeping in mind these limitations and with direct connection to our troubled times, I composed a flute quartet, Apart together: Together apart. I am Apart from the flutists yet they can be Together with me, as I send my music to them to see, hear and learn. I composed the quartet knowing they will have a click track to guide them as they record their part alone. Each flutist is Apart from the others, yet their playing will be combined Together to make a whole, shimmering presence in our world, to illuminate and connect us more fully in our present time.”

Biography

Deena T. Grossman’s compositions encompass music for string orchestra, chamber music for winds, strings, piano and voice as well as unusual instruments such as shakuhachi and banjo. Her music is inspired by observation of the natural world, created with deep listening to the elements of earth, water and fire. Her extensive experience with the folk traditions of America, Bali and Japan informs a fluid grasp of diverse musical cultures. Deena T. Grossman earned an M.M. in Composition from Rice University, Shepherd School of Music. She studied with Lou Harrison, Thea Musgrave and Paul Cooper. She often works collaboratively with visual artists, poets, playwrights and choreographers.

“Such interesting and intricate harmonies and textures, a true sense of exploration and lyricism, and so much heartfelt expression innate in the writing.”

—- Mirabai Peart, violinist

“Your music awakens powerful emotions that will help listeners engage with the crisis from the heart.”

— Rory Cowal, pianist

“Deena T. Grossman’s scores are carefully, clearly, and ingeniously written.”

— Larry Polansky, composer