Education
A native of the Bronx, New York, Brian Israel studied with Lawrence Widdoes, Ulysses Kay, Robert Moffat Palmer, Burrill Phillips and Karel Husa.
A native of the Bronx, New York, Brian Israel studied with Lawrence Widdoes, Ulysses Kay, Robert Moffat Palmer, Burrill Phillips and Karel Husa.
He left a large number of written symphonic, chamber, and solo works, several of which have been recorded for Spectrum, Redwood, Pro-Viva, Innova Records, and Albany Records. "His music is marked by extreme contrasts in tempo and mood, often following a witty or downright funny movement with one that is deadly serious."
In addition, Syracuse University gives the Brian Israel Award each year to a deserving student composer at the university. He received his Master of Fine Arts and DMA degrees from Cornell University, and joined the Syracuse University School of Music faculty upon completion of his graduate studies.
He remained at Syracuse University until his death from leukemia at age 35.
He was a popular and beloved professor His "Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble" is regarded as his "most original creation," according to composer Daniel Godfrey in a 1986 interview.
The movement titles are "Crystalnacht," "Coronach" and "Liberation." As a pianist, composer, and conductor, he performed with numerous ensembles, including, for many years, the Society for New Music. Other notable works include a Piano Quartet (1984), his String Quartet Number.
2 ("Music for the Next to Die"), and his final work: Symphony Number.
6, for soprano, baritone, and orchestra, with texts from the Bible and Langston Hughes.
He was a faculty member of the Syracuse University School of Music from 1975 until his death, at age 35, from leukemia.