David Behrman, a renowned American composer, and computer music pioneer, was born on August 16, 1937, in the culturally rich city of Salzburg, Austria. His early life and career were marked by significant milestones, including his tenure as the producer of Columbia Records' Music of Our Time series, which was instrumental in introducing the world to groundbreaking works like Terry Riley's In C. This iconic recording was released in the early 1960s, solidifying Behrman's reputation as a trailblazer in the music industry.
In 1966, Behrman joined forces with fellow visionaries Robert Ashley, Alvin Lucier, and Gordon Mumma to co-found the Sonic Arts Union, a collective that championed the intersection of music, technology, and art. This collaborative effort allowed Behrman to explore new sonic landscapes and push the boundaries of what was possible in music composition.
Throughout his illustrious career, Behrman has written music for esteemed choreographer Merce Cunningham, creating scores for notable productions such as Walkaround Time (1968),Rebus (1975),Pictures (1984),and Eyespace 40 (2007). These collaborations not only showcased Behrman's mastery of his craft but also cemented his status as a master composer, capable of transcending genres and mediums to create something truly unique and innovative.
