“I was a crummy student. I never really did what my teachers told me.”

That independent streak has served Paul Lansky well. Lansky was on the faculty of Princeton University from 1969 to 2014. He chaired the music department there for nine years, from 1991 to 2000.

A French hornist who became a pioneering composer of computer music, he caught the ear of the experimental rock band Radiohead and formed a fruitful association with guitarist David Starobin. Starobin’s Bridge Records, Inc. continues to document Lansky’s post-electronic works for standard acoustic instruments.

When he retired from Princeton after 45 years of service, it was never Lansky’s plan to stop composing. In fact, he remains as busy as ever, with the past few years being a remarkably fertile period.

You can read more about him in this article I wrote in 2019, to preview a special tribute concert presented at Richardson Auditorium, in honor of the composer’s 75th birthday. It’s the first time I ever used the word “fart” in print.

https://www.communitynews.org/princetoninfo/artsandentertainment/a-composer-celebrates-with-wit-and-human-touch/article_9d5126f9-b138-56ba-b139-9d4108840e67.html

Happy birthday, Paul Lansky!

While you’re at it, check out Paul’s new album, “Angles”:

Paul Lansky: Angles (VOL. 17) <br> BRIDGE 9532

Some selections:

“Four’s Company” (2018): Vivaldiana

“Angles” (2017): A Sad Song

Also, some of his greatest hits:

“Table’s Clear” (1990) for utensils, kids, and computer:

“Threads” (2005) for percussion quartet:

“Partly Pavane” from the “Semi-Suite” (2001) for guitar: