Jonathan Ataria

Welcome to my website! I am a composer, performer and music scholar based in Cambridge, MA. Whether composing music, film scoring, or performing on the Oud, I strive to create engaging and innovative works that combine contemporary composition and traditional musics of diverse origins. Please take a look around to learn more about my work.

Recent Works

Featured Media

Contact

jonathan@atariamusic.com

Bio

I am a composer and performer with a diverse portfolio that includes music for piano, oud, violin, string quartet, and extended techniques for piano, as well as orchestral music. My film scores experience consists of two documentary films which promote important socila justice issues, aligning my work with my aspiration for my music to be relevant to our times.

In addition to my compositional work, I have also pursued academic studies in ethnomusicology, earning a Master's degree from Tufts University. My thesis focused on the interplay of text and music in Sephardic piyut in Israel, and this research has given me a deep understanding of the role cultural and historical context of music. I strive to bring this knowledge into my compositions, creating music that is informed by both my personal voice and the rich traditions of the past.

As a performer, I specialize in the oud, but I am also skilled in playing multiple instruments. I have studied with master musicians from around the world and have had the opportunity to perform in ensembles and teach oud to children. I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to explore and expand my musical horizons.

Contact

jonathan@atariamusic.com

Music

A selection of scores for different ensembles.
For published scores parts please contact.

Film Scores

Media

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Samai Rast for Oud and Piano; Khana I, IV performed with prof. John McDonald at Distler performance hall, Tufs Univesity
Fantasia for Guitar; performed by Aaron Larget-Caplan
Exile for Oud and two Piano Players, performed with prof. John McDonald and the 2022 Tufts Composers Ensemble at Distler performance hall, Tufts University

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Four Rags

A Scott Joplin inspired piano piece/homage

Ada Le'Oy Yulad - אָדָם לְאוֹי יֻלַּד

A poem by Yehuda Elharizi (1165-1235) set in a traditioal piyut style.

Exile

Written after some political events at the end of 2022. A performance can be found in the media secion.

Fantasia for Guitar and Orchestra

The First movement in a Fantasia for Guitar and Orchestra.

Fantasia for Guitar

A solo guitar piece based on the Guitar Concerto. See performance in the media section.

Horn Miniature

A miniature exploring some possibilities of the horn.

Margarita

A Waltz from the in-progress piano suit based on Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita".

Never Talk with Strangers

A Prelude from the in-progress piano suit based on Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita"

Morenica

A Ladino popular song arranged for solo piano.

Score

Paratrooper's Fuge

A piano fuge based on the popular Israeli tune "The Paratrooper's Song".

Samai Rast

A traditional Arabic form set to the modern combination of piano and oud. See performance in the media section.

Score

Suitr Infantil No.2 (Arramgement)

A string quartet arrangement for movement 2 of Villa-Lobos' piano suit.

Thriller Music Dismantling

A piano miniature based on an idea for thriller film music.

Score

Violin Caprice

A Paganini-style violin solo piece.