Alan Stout (composer)

Alan Stout (1932-1999) was an American composer of contemporary classical music. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he studied at Johns Hopkins University and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, and later earned a doctorate from the University of Washington.

Stout's compositional style is characterized by its lyricism and use of complex harmonic language, often employing serial techniques integrated with a strong sense of melody. He produced a substantial body of work, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral pieces, and vocal works. He was particularly drawn to writing for the human voice, and his output features settings of texts by various poets.

Throughout his career, Stout held teaching positions at several institutions, most notably Northwestern University, where he taught composition for many years. He received numerous awards and fellowships, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, recognizing his contributions to American music. His compositions have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide.