Born in New Jersey, George Rochberg studied composition at the Mannes School of Music in New York from 1939 to 1942 and, after military service, at the Curtis Institute and University of Pennsylvania. With a scholarship that took him to Italy, he met Luigi Dallapiccola, a leading exponent of serialism. He later turned from serialism to tonal and atonal composition, forging his own individual style.

Orchestral and Chamber Music
Rochberg’s earlier period of composition is represented by his First Symphony, Cheltenham Concerto, and chamber music (including a Chamber Symphony). Later works represent the synthesis he established between elements of serialism, notably atonality, and a more traditional musical style.