M. William Karlins

From Wind Repertory Project
M. William Karlins

Biography

Martin William Karlins (25 February 1932, New York City – 11 May 2005, Northbrook, Ill.) was an American composer and educator.

Dr. Karlins studied at the Manhattan School of Music (BM and MM) and the University of Iowa (Ph.D.), and taught at Western Illinois University and Northwestern University. His composition instructors were Frederick Piket, Philip Bezanson, Richard Hervig, Stefan Wolpe, and Vittorio Giannini. Karlins was the Harry N. and Ruth F. Wyatt Professor of Music Theory and Composition Emeritus at Northwestern University from 1967 until his death in 2005. His notable students include Augusta Read Thomas, Maggi Payne, and David Gaines.

Karlins has an extensive catalog ranging from large orchestral and chamber works to solo and choral pieces. His saxophone music in particular, which he often combines with other individual instruments and ensembles, is widely performed in the United States and abroad. He composed for the double bass player Bertram Turetzky and the saxophonist Frederick Hemke.


Works for Winds


Resources