Frank Lewin: The Versatile American Composer and Educator
Frank Lewin (1925–2008) was a distinguished American composer and teacher whose career spanned the diverse worlds of classical concert music, theater, and modern media. From scoring television dramas to composing full-scale operas, Lewin's work is characterized by its adaptability and technical precision, reflecting a life shaped by international migration and rigorous academic training.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born on March 27, 1925, in Breslau, Germany, Lewin and his family fled Germany in 1939. After spending a year in Cuba, they arrived in the United States in 1940. This journey set the stage for a comprehensive musical education across several prestigious institutions.
Lewin's formal training was eclectic and extensive. He studied with Felix Deyo at the Baldwin Conservatory in Long Island, New York, and later with Jack Frederick Kilpatrick and Hans David at Southern Methodist University. He further refined his craft under Roy Harris in Logan, Utah, and eventually studied with Richard Donovan and Paul Hindemith at the Yale School of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1951.
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A Multifaceted Career in Composition
Lewin established himself as a prolific creator across multiple genres. He became a sought-after composer for incidental music—music written to accompany a play or film to create atmosphere—scoring works by legendary playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams. He also contributed to historical outdoor dramas across the United States, collaborating with writers like Paul Green.
Film and Television Scoring
In the realm of screen media, Lewin composed and edited music for feature films, documentaries, and television. He is notably recognized for providing dozens of original scores for the television series The Defenders and The Nurses, as well as composing the theme for the CBS series Wanted.
Concert and Operatic Works
Beyond commercial media, Lewin maintained a deep commitment to classical composition. His portfolio includes two operas, Gulliver (1975) and Burning Bright (1993), the latter based on the works of John Steinbeck. His orchestral output is highlighted by the Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra (1960) and the Concerto on Silesian Tunes (1965) for viola.
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Academic Contributions and Legacy
Lewin dedicated a significant portion of his life to mentoring the next generation of composers. From 1971 to 1992, he served as a professor at the Yale School of Music, specializing in composition for film. Simultaneously, from 1975 to 1989, he taught a course titled "Music in Modern Media" at the Columbia University School of the Arts.
His intellectual contributions extended to writing, where he published works on soundtracks in nontheatrical motion pictures and the genesis of his opera Burning Bright. He resided in Princeton, New Jersey, from 1956 until his passing on January 18, 2008.
Key Facts
- Birth/Death: March 27, 1925 – January 18, 2008.
- Education: Bachelor of Music from Yale School of Music (1951).
- Teaching: Professor at Yale School of Music and Columbia University.
- Notable TV Work: The Defenders and The Nurses.
- Major Operas: Gulliver and Burning Bright.
- Awards: Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Summary of Major Works
| Category | Notable Work | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Opera | Burning Bright | 1993 |
| Orchestral | Concerto on Silesian Tunes | 1965 |
| Television | The Defenders (Scores) | 1962–65 |
| Choral | Requiem for Robert F. Kennedy | 1969 |
| Film | The Plot Against Harry | 1989 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Frank Lewin study music?
Lewin studied at several institutions, including the Baldwin Conservatory, Southern Methodist University, and the Yale School of Music, where he graduated in 1951.
What were some of Frank Lewin's most famous television projects?
He is well-known for composing original scores for the series The Defenders and The Nurses, and the theme for Wanted.
Did Frank Lewin write any operas?
Yes, he composed two operas: Gulliver (1975), which featured contributions from Easley Blackwood and Elliot Kaplan, and Burning Bright (1993), based on a novel and play by John Steinbeck.
What subjects did Frank Lewin teach at the university level?
At the Yale School of Music, he taught composition for film, and at Columbia University, he taught a course called "Music in Modern Media."
Which awards did Frank Lewin receive?
He received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, as well as the Distinguished Artist Award from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.