Thomas Pitts

About Thomas Pitts

https://musicoftheday.co.uk

Posts by Thomas Pitts:

12 October

October 12th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany October, Sonata d-moll, Weiss

Sylvius Leopold Weiss 12 October 1687 – 16 October 1750

Sonata d-moll

Sylvius Leopold Weiss
By After Balthasar Denner – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b84259008, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=186372

Sylvius Leopold Weiss was a famous German composer and lutenist, born on 12 October 1687 in Grottkau, near Breslau. He was the son of Johann Jacob Weiss, who was also a lutenist. Throughout his life, Weiss became one of the most important composers of lute music and was highly regarded for his technical skills. He worked at various courts, including those in Breslau, Rome, and Dresden, where he eventually passed away on 16 October 1750.

Weiss had notable connections in the music world, becoming friends with Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, the son of the renowned composer J.S. Bach. Their friendship led to competitions in improvisation, showcasing their remarkable talents. Johann Friedrich Reichardt, a contemporary, described the awe-inspiring challenges Weiss posed to Bach, highlighting the impressive skills both musicians possessed.

Weiss wrote over 1,000 pieces for the lute, many of which are dance suites and sonatas. His music continues to inspire artists today, including Anelia Pavlova, who created a painting based on Weiss’s works.

11 October

October 11th

Thomas Pitts Austria, Composer Of The Day, Europe Bruckner, October, Symphony No. 7 in E Major, Te Deum

Anton Bruckner 4 September 1824 – 11 October 1896

Symphony No. 7 in E Major

Te Deum

Anton Bruckner
By Josef Büche – Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1752982

Joseph Anton Bruckner, born on 4th September 1824 in Ansfelden, Austria, was a celebrated composer and organist. He is best known for his remarkable symphonies and sacred music, which includes compositions like Masses and motets. Bruckner’s symphonies are unique for their rich harmonies and complex structures, embodying the final phase of Austro-German romanticism. He faced criticism during his lifetime, particularly from the influential critic Eduard Hanslick, who preferred the more concise works of composers like Johannes Brahms. Despite this, Bruckner’s music eventually gained admiration, particularly from future composers such as Gustav Mahler.

Bruckner’s early education in music came from his father, a schoolmaster. He later became a choirboy at Sankt Florian, where he honed his skills on the organ. Throughout his life, Bruckner was known for revising his works based on feedback, leading to multiple versions of some compositions. He continued to compose and teach until his death on 11th October 1896.

by George Newson,photograph,18 October 1984

10 October

October 10th

Thomas Pitts Africa, Composer Of The Day, South Africa October, Rainier, Viola Sonata

Priaulx Rainier 3 February 1903 – 10 October 1986

Viola Sonata

Priaulx Rainier
by George Newson,photograph,18 October 1984 (Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24639931)

Ivy Priaulx Rainier was a renowned composer born on 3 February 1903 in Howick, South Africa. Although she spent most of her life in England and passed away in France in 1986, her music reflected the African sounds she cherished from her childhood. Rainier never adopted the popular 12-tone or serial techniques, yet her works displayed a deep understanding of these musical styles. Her Cello Concerto premiered in 1964, performed by the famous Jacqueline du Pré, and her Violin Concerto followed in 1977, brought to life by Yehudi Menuhin.

Rainier studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London after moving there at 17. Despite a serious car accident in 1935, she began composing in earnest after recovering. Her early works gained attention, showcasing her unique style that often employed rhythmic repetition. In addition to her teaching role, she co-founded the St Ives September Festival. Rainier left a treasured legacy of music that continues to be celebrated today.

9 October

October 9th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Italy La forza del destino, October, Verdi

Giuseppe Verdi 9 or 10 October 1813 – 27 January 1901

La forza del destino The Power of Fate

Guiseppe Verdi
By Ferdinand Mulnier – https://www.artic.edu/artworks/86950/giuseppe-verdi-italian-composer-1813-1901, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=170556018

Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian composer, celebrated for his operas. Born on either 9 or 10 October 1813, in a small village near Busseto, Verdi grew up in a family of modest means. He received support for his musical education from a local patron, Antonio Barezzi. Verdi’s early works reflected his passion for the Risorgimento, the movement aiming to unify Italy. His opera Nabucco, particularly the famous chorus “Va, pensiero,” became an anthem for this cause.

Verdi’s success soared after the release of three significant operas: Rigoletto, Il trovatore, and La traviata. These operas are still performed widely today. He returned to the opera scene later in his life with poignant works like Otello and the comedic Falstaff. Celebrated for his powerful storytelling through music, Verdi remains a pivotal figure in the world of opera. His contribution to arts and culture was recognised globally during the bicentenary of his birth in 2013, underscoring his enduring legacy.

8 October

October 8th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America October, What's The Matter Now, Williams

Clarence Williams 8 October 1898 or 6 October 1893 – 6 November 1965

What's The Matter Now

Clarence Williams
By http://riverwalkjazz.stanford.edu/program/gulf-coast-blues-clarence-williams-story, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57210124

Clarence Williams was a talented American jazz pianist, composer, and promoter born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, in 1898. From a young age, he was immersed in music, running away from home at twelve to join a minstrel show. Once in New Orleans, Williams worked many odd jobs but quickly became a well-known singer and entertainer. By the early 1910s, he had started composing music and arranging performances at local theatres and clubs.

In 1915, he partnered with Armand J. Piron to establish a successful music publishing business. By the 1920s, he had become a significant figure in the jazz scene, recording with renowned artists like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith. Williams also created a hub for African American artists in Queens, New York, fostering community and collaboration during a time of racial segregation. His legacy includes numerous compositions and recordings that contribute to the rich history of jazz music.

7 October

October 7th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany Draeseke, Gudrun, October

Felix Draeseke 7 October 1835 – 26 February 1913

Gudrun Overture

Felix Draeseke
By Robert Sterl – http://www.deutschefotothek.de/documents/obj/70251299, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1477192

Felix August Bernhard Draeseke was a notable composer born on 7 October 1835 in Coburg, Germany. He was part of the “New German School,” influenced by famous composers like Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner. Draeseke showed musical talent early, composing his first piece at just eight years old. His family supported his decision to pursue music, and although his time at the Leipzig Conservatory was not particularly beneficial, he later embraced the style of the New German School.

In 1862, Draeseke moved to Switzerland to teach music before returning to Germany in 1876, where he settled in Dresden. He achieved significant success, particularly after joining the Dresden Conservatory. Throughout his life, he composed a wide variety of works, including eight operas and many orchestral pieces. His music was well-received during his lifetime but faded from popularity after World War II. However, in recent years, recordings have sparked renewed interest in his impressive catalogue of compositions.

6 October

October 6th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe Cavatina, Myers, October

Stanley Myers 6 October 1930 – 9 November 1993

Cavatina

Stanley Myers
By Unknown – Original publication: UnknownImmediate source: https://ximo.wordpress.com/2011/04/16/la-cavatina-de-stanley-myers/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51005387

Stanley Myers was an English composer and conductor, born on 6 October 1930 in Birmingham. He was renowned for his work in film and television, scoring over sixty productions. Myers collaborated closely with notable filmmakers like Nicolas Roeg and Jerzy Skolimowski. His most famous composition is “Cavatina,” an evocative guitar piece that first appeared in the 1970 film The Walking Stick and later became the signature theme for the acclaimed film The Deer Hunter in 1978. This piece earned him an Ivor Novello Award and has been popularised through various recordings.

Aside from feature films, Myers composed incidental music for television shows, including the theme for the BBC’s Question Time and episodes of Doctor Who. He was also an early mentor to Hans Zimmer, another esteemed film composer. Myers worked with several directors throughout the 1980s, gaining recognition at the Cannes Film Festival for his score for Prick Up Your Ears.

5 October

October 5th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany Axel F, October

Harold Faltermeyer Born 5 October 1952

Axel F

Harold Faltermeyer
By Animagus – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52410457

Hans Hugo Harold Faltermeyer, born on 5 October 1952, is a renowned German musician, composer, and record producer. He gained fame for composing the “Axel F” theme for the film Beverly Hills Cop, which became a defining synth-pop hit of the 1980s. In addition to this, he created the “Top Gun Anthem” for the movie Top Gun and composed music for Chevy Chase films such as Fletch and Fletch Lives. His work on both Beverly Hills Cop and Top Gun earned him Grammy Awards in 1986 and 1987, respectively.

Faltermeyer was born in Munich to a homemaker and a construction businessman. He began playing the piano at six, later developing a keen interest in rock music. His career took off after he moved to Los Angeles, where he collaborated with notable artists like Donna Summer and produced hit albums. Not only did he make his mark in film scoring, but he also played a significant role in the evolution of synthesizer music, solidifying his status as an influential figure in the music industry.

4 October

October 4th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Composer Of The Day, Japan Miyoshi, October, Trois Mouvements Symphoniques

Akira Miyoshi (三善　晃) 10 January 1933 – 4 October 2013

Trois Mouvements Symphoniques

Akira Miyoshi (三善　晃)
From discogs.com/artist/725042-Akira-Miyoshi/image/SW1hZ2U6MjkzMjI3OQ

Akira Miyoshi was a renowned Japanese composer, born in Suginami, Tokyo, on January 10, 1933. He showed early talent as a piano prodigy, studying under notable teachers. Miyoshi pursued his education in French literature at the University of Tokyo and later took up composition at the Paris Conservatory, where he was greatly influenced by the composer Henri Dutilleux. Returning to Japan in 1957, he completed his studies and went on to teach at the Toho Gakuen School of Music.

Throughout his career, Miyoshi received numerous accolades, including being named an Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government in 1996. His works are diverse, spanning orchestral music, chamber music, and pieces for traditional Japanese instruments. Notable compositions include the “Concerto for piano and orchestra” and “Trois mouvements symphoniques.” Miyoshi’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike, showcasing the fusion of Western and Japanese musical elements in his compositions.

Holland_Festival_componist_Steve_Reich_kop,_Bestanddeelnr_928-6490

3 October

October 3rd

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America Music for 18 Musicians, October, Reich

Steve Reich Born October 3, 1936

Music for 18 Musicians

Steve Reich
By Hans Peters for Anefo – http://proxy.handle.net/10648/ac867f40-d0b4-102d-bcf8-003048976d84, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65869252

Stephen Michael Reich, born on October 3, 1936, is an influential American composer renowned for his contributions to minimal music during the 1960s. His compositions exhibit distinctive features such as repetition and innovative structures. In his essay, “Music as a Gradual Process,” Reich expresses his fascination with music that evolves perceptibly over time. Early works like It’s Gonna Rain and Come Out utilised tape loops, creating a unique sound through phase shifting, where musical phrases gradually fall out of sync.

Reich’s landmark pieces, such as Drumming and Music for 18 Musicians, showcase intricate patterns and rhythms, with influences from various musical traditions. His style later incorporated themes from his Jewish heritage, as seen in Different Trains, which contrasts his childhood train journeys with the haunting experiences of children during the Holocaust. Today, Reich’s innovative techniques continue to inspire many composers and musicians around the world, solidifying his legacy as one of the key figures in contemporary music.