David Diamond was born on September 9, 1915, in Rochester, New York. He showed an early talent for music and began studying piano at a young age. Diamond's parents recognized his potential and supported his musical education. He attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music in nearby Rochester, where he studied composition with Bernard Rogers and piano with Egon Petri. After completing his studies at Eastman, Diamond went on to further his musical education at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
After completing his formal education, Diamond began to establish himself as a composer. He gained recognition for his symphonies, concertos, sonatas, and string quartets. His works were characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth. In 1944, Diamond composed a piece for string orchestra called Rounds, which would become one of his most well-known compositions.
Despite his talent and success as a composer, Diamond faced numerous challenges throughout his career. As a Jew and an openly homosexual man, he experienced discrimination on both religious and sexual orientation grounds. This discrimination often tempered his career success and hindered his ability to fully realize his artistic potential. Despite these obstacles, Diamond persevered and continued to create music that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In 1995, Diamond received the prestigious National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contributions to American music. This award was a significant honor for Diamond and affirmed his position as one of the leading composers of the 20th century. Throughout his career, Diamond's works were performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, solidifying his reputation as a major figure in classical music.
David Diamond's legacy as a composer continues to be celebrated today. His music remains an important part of the classical repertoire and is studied and performed by musicians and music lovers worldwide. In addition to his work as a composer, Diamond also had a significant impact as a teacher. He taught at the Juilliard School, where he mentored a new generation of composers, including Eric Whitacre, Kenneth Fuchs, and Francis Thorne.
David Diamond passed away on June 13, 2005, at the age of 89. Despite the challenges he faced during his lifetime, Diamond left behind a body of work that continues to inspire and move audiences. His contributions to American music have earned him a lasting place in the pantheon of great composers.