Joseph Klein (composer)

Klein's creative output comprises solo, chamber, and large ensemble works, including instrumental, vocal, electroacoustic, and intermedia compositions. His music reflects an ongoing interest in processes drawn from sources such as fractal geometry, chaos theory, and systems theory, often inspired by natural phenomena. Klein frequently incorporates theatrical elements in his work, either as an extra-musical feature or as an organic extension of the musical narrative. Recent works, most notably the cycle of nineteen works collectively titled An Unaware Cosmos (2012-2018), explore modular, recombinant, and non-linear formal paradigms.

Klein's work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Music Center, the American Composers Forum, the Gaudeamus Foundation, Meet the Composer, the International Society for Contemporary Music, and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. He has collaborated with the International Contemporary Ensemble, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Lydian Chamber Players, Voices of Change, Orchestra 2001, and numerous solo artists including vocalist Joan La Barbara, flutist Helen Bledsoe, cellist Madeleine Shapiro, and glass harmonica player Thomas Bloch.

Klein studied microbiology and music composition at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he received a B.A. in Music in 1984. He subsequently studied composition with Robert Erickson and Roger Reynolds at the University of California, San Diego (M.A. in Music Composition, 1986), and with Harvey Sollberger and Claude Baker at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he received a D.Mus. in Composition in 1991, with minors in music theory and art history.

Literary influences include Franz Kafka, Elias Canetti, Alice Fulton, W.S. Merwin, Milan Kundera, and Christina Rossetti. In particular, Canetti's writings Earwitness (Der Ohrenzeuge, 1974) and Crowds and Power (Masse und Macht, 1960) have inspired over twenty solo instrumental and open-form chamber works composed since 1997.

Joseph Klein (born 1962 in Los Angeles, California) is an American composer, conductor, and educator. He has taught at the University of North Texas College of Music since 1992, where he is currently Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair of Composition Studies.