Alan Menken

Early Life and Education

Alan Menken was born on July 22, 1949, in New Rochelle, New York. He is the son of Judith and Norman Menken, a boogie-woogie piano-playing dentist. His family was of Jewish descent. Menken developed an interest in music at an early age, studying piano and violin. He attended New Rochelle High School where he became involved in the school's music programs.

A photograph of New Rochelle High School, a large brick building with a clock tower.

Menken later attended New York University and got a degree in Musicology. During his time at NYU, he studied under notable music theorists and historians, gaining a deep understanding of music theory and history.

Career

Early Career

After graduating from NYU, Menken started his career as a composer for theatre and television. He worked on several off-Broadway productions, but his big break came when he was introduced to playwright Howard Ashman. Together, they created a musical adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's novel "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater". The musical was well received and marked the beginning of a successful partnership between Menken and Ashman.

Disney Success

In the late 1980s, Menken and Ashman were approached by Walt Disney Animation Studios to work on the music for a new animated film, "The Little Mermaid". The film was a huge success, and the music by Menken and Ashman was praised for its catchy tunes and emotional depth. This success led to further collaborations on Disney films such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin".

A photograph of the Walt Disney Animation Studios building, a modern structure with the Disney logo prominently displayed.

Menken's work on these films earned him multiple Academy Awards, making him one of the most successful composers in the history of the Oscars. His music has become synonymous with Disney animation, and his compositions have become classic pieces of film music.

Post-Disney Work

After the death of Howard Ashman, Menken continued to work on Disney films, but also branched out into other areas. He composed music for several Broadway shows, including adaptations of his Disney films. He also worked on the music for several non-Disney animated films, such as "Pocahontas" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".

Legacy

Menken's music has had a profound impact on film and theatre. His compositions for Disney films have become iconic, and his work has been praised for its ability to evoke emotion and tell a story. His contributions to the field of film music have earned him a place among the great film composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.