David Rakowski

Introduction
David Rakowski is an American composer born Hune13th, 1958 in St. Albans, Vermont. Rakowski received musical training at the New England Conservatory and Princeton University and studied under composers like Robert Ceely, John Heiss, Milton Babbitt, Peter Westergaard, Paul Lansky, and Luciano Berio. Currently, he is the Walter W. Naumburg Professor of Composition at Brandeis University.

Work Analysis
I will be analyzing David Rakowski's symphony Ten of a Kind. Ten of a Kind is a four-movement symphony including a concerto solo from ten different sized clarinets completed in 2000. This piece was commissioned by Colonel Foley the 26th U.S. Marine Band director. Ten of a Kind was premiered on May 20th, 2001 in Washington D.C. Rakowski says that the first movement, Labyrinth unfolds the symphony's thematic material just in time to be completely shown in movement two, "Song Stylings" which is the slow movement of the piece. The thematic materials are heard through the various sections of movement two. "Yoikes and Away," the third movement is described as a scherzo with many climaxes. The final movement "Martian Counterpoint," includes various syncopated patterns and the introduction of a new theme. Through my analysis, I found many different thematic materials and thought that the music sounded similar to that of Messian because in my opinion some of the melodies sounded like bird calls. The symphony also has some cartoonish characteristics with prominent percussion rhythms.

Comparisons
During an interview with Composition Today Rakowski has said that his largest influence has been Schoenberg. He listens critically to Schoenberg's voice leading, counterpoint, and harmony and tries not to dwell on the fact that Schoenberg used the 12 tone technique. Non-musically, Rakowski gathers inspiration from poets.

Observations
There isn't a lot of information on Rakowski but from what I found and researched I respect his discipline. In the same interview I mentioned above, Rakowski said that he doesn't allow himself to drink until he has written a fixed amount of music. He says that he takes a lot of time and puts a lot of care into thinking over the shape of all his pieces and movements. I love his dedication to detail and envy his dedication to his art, it motivates me to do more and pay attention more.