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Don DavisAmerican musician, film composer, conductor, orchestrator
Date of Birth: 04.02.1957
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Don Davis
Don Davis is an American musician, film composer, conductor, and orchestrator. He is best known for his work on the cult film series 'The Matrix', and has created music for a range of films, from comedies to horror movies.
Early Life and Education
Don Davis was born in Anaheim, California. He started playing music, specifically piano and trumpet, at the age of nine. By the age of twelve, he was already experimenting with composing music. His passion for music continued to grow, and he honed his skills as a composer and musician while attending the University of California, Los Angeles. He focused on music theory and composition and also played trumpet in a jazz group at the college.
Entry into the Film Industry
Although Davis was initially more interested in rock and jazz, he gradually became drawn to more avant-garde music styles of the time. His time at the University of California proved to be invaluable, as he learned a great deal and significantly improved his skills as a composer and musician. While initially planning to write music for concerts and club performances, Davis began to consider a career as a film composer.
After completing his university education, Davis continued to study composition with Henry Lazarof and orchestration with Albert Harris. It was Harris who introduced the young Donald to Joe Harnell, a composer known for his work on popular shows such as 'V' and 'The Incredible Hulk'. Harris recognized Davis's talent, particularly his attention to detail in orchestration, which was evident in a chamber symphony that Davis had composed. Harnell became Davis's mentor and introduced him to the world of television and film.
Success as a Composer
Davis quickly made a name for himself in the industry and started receiving larger and more significant commissions. He regularly collaborated with composer Mark Snow, orchestrating melodies for the TV series 'Hart to Hart' and eventually gaining full control over four episodes. Following this success, Davis caught the attention of composer Lee Holdridge, who helped him secure a position in the team for the supernatural romantic show 'Beauty and the Beast'. Davis's talent as an orchestrator significantly improved the show's soundtrack, and he wrote a total of forty-six songs for the series. His work on 'Beauty and the Beast' earned him an Emmy Award and a nomination.
Davis's reputation as one of the most talented young composers of his time continued to grow. He was in high demand, receiving invitations to work on popular TV movies and series. He composed music for Steven Spielberg's project 'seaQuest DSV', arranged melodies for the TV movie 'Life of the Party: The Pamela Harriman Story', and contributed to the miniseries 'House of Frankenstein'. His work, ranging from orchestral inserts in 'The Beast' to the slightly eccentric melodies of 'Tiny Toon Adventures' and the trendy rhythms of 'Star Trek: The New Generation', became a model for other musicians to aspire to.
In total, Davis has received eight Emmy nominations, two of which he won. In 1997, he composed the score for the lesbian thriller 'Bound', which caught the attention of the Wachowski brothers. Larry and Andy were impressed by Davis's work, leading to a close collaboration. Their next joint project, the legendary cyberpunk trilogy 'The Matrix', further increased Davis's popularity. The techno-thriller starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne became one of the biggest hits of its time, if not all time. Davis composed three melodies for the film that combined elements of popular music, electronic synthesizer effects, and a touch of avant-garde. The orchestration for 'The Matrix' was written for three pianos, one specially prepared and two regular ones. Davis's music seamlessly blends with the film's visuals.
Currently, Davis is working on the opera 'Rio de Sangre', set to be released by the 'Florentine Opera Company' in 2010. He resides in Southern California with his wife Megan and their two children.
