composer for Ben Shahn: Passion for Justice

The music for Ben Shahn: Passion for Justice is by John Hodian, a composer, conductor and pianist who has worked in a wide variety of idioms -- from classical to jazz, rock to rap, and traditional to avant-garde theater. The music for the documentary conveys the intellectual depth of Shahnís art, as well as drawing upon cultural references. For instance, the clarinet is a featured instrument in the score and it is also an instrument that Shahn included in many drawings and paintings.

John’s music has been heard in a wide variety of media: soundtracks for feature films and documentaries, commissioned scores for dance companies, and chamber music works, stage dramas and music-theater pieces. Along with Bet Williams he leads Epiphany Project. John Hodian worked with producer Susan Wallner on one other occasion, when he composed the music for her documentary Toshiko Takaezu: Portrait of an Artist. It received a New York Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music.