David Del Tredici, pioneering composer with “a truly original gift”, dies aged 86

[photo: David del Tredici listenes to Marc Peloquin playing the final Vexations at The Village Trip 2023]

David Del Tredici with pianist Joan Forsyth, who presided over the performance of “Vexations” at N.Y.U. in September.
David Del Tredici with pianist Joan Forsyth, Associate Director of The Village Trip’s Classical and New Music program, who created the sixtieth anniversary performance of Erik Satie’s Vexations at N.Y.U. in September 2023.

A long-time resident of the West Village and a key figure in its musical life, David Del Tredici was celebrated with Village Trip concerts in 2021 and 2022 and was present at this year’s festival for the historic performance of Satie’s Vexations.

Pianist Marc Peloquin, credited by the composer with reviving his interest in the piano, said this weekend: “He is at peace. I am at a loss. David dared to live and to compose in a way that combined the highest intellect and virtuosity with an openness to reveal the soul of his being. He took risks without considering the reactions and repercussions of his many adventures.”

Liz Thomson, founder and Joint Artistic Director of The Village Trip, pays tribute.