Meet the Composer: Missy Mazzoli

BACKGROUND on Missy Mazzoli

Missy Mazzoli was born in 1980 in Pennsylvania. She showed an early interest in music and began composing around age 10. In addition to composing and performing in traditional concert halls, Missy Mazzoli also performs and writes music for a small ensemble that blends elements of alternative, rock, and electronic music.

She is known for experimenting with different styles and genres in her compositions. Along with another composer, she founded an organization called Luna Lab, which helps create opportunities for women composers. In addition to composing and performing, Missy Mazzoli also teaches composition. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

MUSIC of Missy Mazzoli

1. Missy Mazzoli is known for combining electronic and acoustic sounds. Her piece Vespers for Violin and Electronics is a good example. Watch and listen here:

2. Missy Mazzoli composes music for and performs in a band called Victoire. This group combines elements from several different genres, or styles of music. As you listen and watch, think about whether or not this sounds like classical music, or dance music, or pop, or something else. How would you describe this music to someone else?

3. Missy Mazzoli also composes a lot of opera. Watch and listen to an aria, or song, from one of her operas.

CREATE, CONNECT & RESPOND to Mazzoli’s music

1. Missy Mazzoli is well-known for composing operas. Learn more about the art form of opera in the Class Notes lesson What is OPERA (Part One.)

2. Missy Mazzoli often uses electronics in her work. The first example in the lesson above is for violin and electronics. First, learn more about the violin in the Class Notes lesson What is the VIOLIN? Then, listen again to Vespers for Violin and Electronics and think about how the electronics shape the sound of the violin.