21st Century

1 April

April 1st: Caravelli

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, France 20th Century, 21st Century, April, Caravelli, Let Me Try Again

Caravelli 12 September 1930 – 1 April 2019

Let Me Try Again

Caravelli
From https://instrumentalsforever.eu/artists/caravelli-1930-2019/

Caravelli, born Claude Vasori in Paris in 1930, was a renowned French composer and orchestra leader who transformed popular music with his lush orchestral interpretations. He studied at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, which laid the foundation for his musical career. Initially, Caravelli worked as an accompanist and arranger for many French singers. Soon, he formed his own orchestra and gained international fame.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Caravelli became one of the most celebrated easy-listening orchestra leaders, alongside Paul Mauriat and Franck Pourcel. His unique style combined classical techniques with modern melodies, resulting in beautiful arrangements of film themes and popular songs. Albums like Caravelli Plays the Beatles showcased his talent for reimagining famous music elegantly.

Throughout his career, Caravelli composed original music for films and television, leaving a lasting impact on the easy-listening genre. His work continues to be appreciated for its rich quality and artistic depth, inspiring future generations of musicians.

29 March

March 29th: Vangelis

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Greece 20th Century, 21st Century, Chariots Of Fire: Main Theme, Conquest Of Paradise, Film Scores, March, Vangelis

Vangelis 29 March 1943 – 17 May 2022

Conquest Of Paradise

Chariots Of Fire: Main Theme

Vangelis
By NikolasforWiki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6042320

Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou, known as Vangelis, was a prominent Greek musician and composer. He is famous for his electronic and orchestral music, creating iconic scores for films like Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner. Vangelis began his musical journey in the 1960s, forming rock bands such as the Forminx and Aphrodite’s Child. His work is significant in the history of film music, blending various genres including progressive rock and ambient music. Vangelis’s score for Chariots of Fire won an Academy Award and became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing his unique style. He also collaborated with NASA on projects like Mythodea and Rosetta, demonstrating his passion for science and music. Throughout his career, Vangelis produced over 50 albums, using synthesizers and innovative techniques to create soundscapes that evoke emotion. His music often reflects his Greek heritage and influences from jazz and traditional music. Vangelis left a lasting legacy in the world of music and film.

23 March

March 23rd: Michael Nyman

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 20th Century, 21st Century, Drowning By Number 2, March, Michael Nyman, Minimalism

Michael Nyman 23 March 1944

Drowning By Number 2

Michael Nyman
By Anton V. Shpigunov – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42490383

Michael Laurence Nyman, CBE, was born in Stratford, London. He is an influential English composer, pianist, and filmmaker, renowned for his film scores and operas. Nyman gained fame for his collaboration with filmmaker Peter Greenaway and his soundtrack for Jane Campion’s film, The Piano. He has composed numerous operas, including The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Noises, Sounds & Sweet Airs. Nyman’s musical journey began at King’s College London and the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied piano and baroque music. He is credited with popularising minimalism in music through his writings and compositions. Nyman founded the Michael Nyman Band, which performs many of his works. His music often draws from early music traditions, enhancing the emotional depth of films. Nyman’s contributions to contemporary music have earned him various accolades, including a CBE honour. His unique style blends classical elements with modern influences, making his work significant in both music and film.

28 February

February 28th: Murray Gold

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 20th Century, 21st Century, Doomsday, February, Murray Gold, TV Music

Murray Gold 28 February 1969

Doomsday

Murray Gold
By Richard Ecclestone (Navymaroon) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/63063159@N06/5733718740/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15237999

Murray Jonathan Gold is an English composer known for his work in stage, film, and television. He was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire. Gold is best known for composing the music for Doctor Who from 2005 to 2017 and again from 2023. He has also worked on popular shows like Queer as Folk and Last Tango in Halifax. Gold has received five BAFTA nominations for his original television music, showcasing his talent and impact in the industry. He studied history at Corpus Christi College and began his career in drama before focusing on music.

His compositions enhance storytelling, making scenes more engaging. Gold’s music often features orchestral arrangements, which have evolved over time. He has created memorable themes for various characters in Doctor Who, including the Doctor and the Daleks. In addition to television, Gold has scored films and written radio plays, highlighting his versatility as a composer. His contributions to music in media have made him a significant figure in contemporary British culture.

27 February

February 27th: Sam Sweeney

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 21st Century, February, Folk, Maid Of The Mill, Sam Sweeney

Sam Sweeney 27 February 1989

Maid Of The Mill

Sam Sweeney
by Bryn Pinzgauer – Sam Sweeney, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18490465

Sam Sweeney is a multi-instrumental English folk musician.

Sweeney was introduced to folk music as a child through his parents’ record collection. He taught himself to play traditional pieces by ear and started playing the fiddle at age six. His first performance as a soloist was at a folk festival in 2001. From 2002 to 2010, he was part of the folk band Kerfuffle, where he played fiddle, viola, and cajon.

After Kerfuffle disbanded, Sweeney formed a duo with Hannah James. He joined the eleven-piece band Bellowhead from 2008 to 2016, playing fiddle and bagpipes. Sweeney also toured with Jon Boden and was part of Fay Hield’s band. In 2015, he formed the folk supergroup Leveret. Sweeney helped establish the UK’s National Youth Folk Ensemble and became its first Artistic Director. He began his solo career in 2018 with the album The Unfinished Violin. Sweeney has won several awards, including the ‘Musician of the Year’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2015.

18 February

February 18th: Anna Phoebe

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Europe, Germany, The Netherlands 20th Century, 21st Century, Anna Phoebe, AVAWAVES, Contemporary, February, Female Composers, In Motion

Anna Phoebe 18 February 1981

In Motion

Anna Phoebe
By Ericdere – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76676656

Anna Phoebe McElligott is a talented London-based violinist, composer, and broadcaster. She performs in various musical genres, including contemporary classical, rock, folk, jazz, Celtic, and Middle Eastern music. Anna was born in Hamburg, Germany, to a Greek-Irish father and a German mother. She moved to Manchester at age four and later lived in Michigan before settling in St Andrews, Scotland.

Anna began playing the violin at seven, encouraged by her mother. She studied social policy at the London School of Economics and worked with Labour Party politicians.

After university, Anna became a session musician, collaborating with many famous artists, including Sean Combs and George Michael. A significant moment in her career was joining the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2003, where she toured extensively across the USA. Anna has also released solo albums and formed the duo AVAWAVES.

Photo_-_Festival_de_Cornouaille_2012_-_Loreena_McKennitt_en_concert_le_26_juillet_-_018

17 February

February 17th: Loreena McKennitt

Thomas Pitts Canada, Composer Of The Day, North America 20th Century, 21st Century, Brian Boru’s March, Celtic, February, Female Composers, Loreena McKennitt, World Music

Loreena McKennitt 17 February 1957

Brian Boru’s March

Loreena McKennitt
By Thesupermat – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21926867

Loreena McKennitt is a talented Canadian singer-songwriter and composer born on February 17, 1957. She creates world music that blends Celtic and Middle Eastern influences, showcasing her clear soprano vocals. McKennitt has sold over 16 million records globally. Born in Morden, Manitoba, she grew up in a family with Irish and Scottish roots, which inspired her love for music. Initially, she studied to become a veterinarian but discovered folk music while at university. After performing at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1974, she developed a passion for Celtic music and learned to play the Celtic harp. McKennitt’s first album, Elemental, was released in 1985, followed by several successful albums. Her music often features themes of nature, mythology, and spirituality. McKennitt faced personal tragedy in 1998, which led her to reduce public performances. However, she returned to music in 2006 with the album An Ancient Muse. Today, she continues to tour and create music that reflects her cultural heritage and artistic vision. Her work has significantly influenced contemporary music.

15 February

February 15th: John Adams

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 20th Century, 21st Century, China Gates, February, John Adams, Minimalism

John Adams 15 February 1947

China Gates

John Adams
by The original uploader was Macror at English Wikipedia.(Original text: Deborah O’Grady) – http://earbox.com/images/JA-portrait-1-LW.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3642905

John Coolidge Adams is an American composer and conductor known for his significant contributions to contemporary classical music. He is particularly recognised for his operas based on real historical events, along with major orchestral, choral, chamber, electronic, and piano works. Growing up in a musical family in New England, Adams studied at Harvard University. Initially, he was influenced by strict modernist music, but the writings of John Cage inspired him to explore new styles. After relocating to San Francisco, he became a prominent figure in the city’s new-music scene and taught at the San Francisco Conservatory. His minimalist style is evident in works like Phrygian Gates and Shaker Loops. Notable pieces such as Harmonium and Short Ride in a Fast Machine increased his national recognition. His opera Nixon in China, about Nixon’s 1972 visit, marked a collaboration with director Peter Sellars. Adams won the Pulitzer Prize for On the Transmigration of Souls, a tribute to 9/11 victims. His later operas include Doctor Atomic and Girls of the Golden West.

13 February

February 13th: Colin Matthews

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 20th Century, 21st Century, Colin Matthews, February, Pluto the Renewer

Colin Matthews 13 February 1946

Pluto, the Renewer

Colin Matthews
from https://colinmatthews.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cm-homepage-1.jpg

Colin Matthews is a notable composer born in London. He studied under renowned musicians Arnold Whittall and Nicholas Maw. In the 1970s, he assisted the famous composer Benjamin Britten and collaborated with Imogen Holst for many years. One of his significant projects was working with Deryck Cooke on Mahler’s Tenth Symphony, which took from 1963 until its publication in 1975.

Over five decades, Matthews created a diverse range of music, including solo piano pieces, string quartets, and orchestral works. He served as Associate Composer with the London Symphony Orchestra from 1992 to 1999, composing a Cello Concerto for the celebrated cellist Rostropovich. His works have received numerous accolades, including a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for his choral piece, Renewal.

Matthews has also been involved in education, founding the Aldeburgh Composition Course and holding positions at various universities. His contributions to music continue to influence contemporary classical music, showcasing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the arts.

Japanese composer Jun Nagao arranged The Planets for his Trouvère Quartet in 2003, including added movements for Earth and Pluto, since both were considered planets at the time.

The suite was arranged for concert band and premiered in 2014.

The work contains original themes, themes from The Planets, and other popular Holst melodies.

Jun Nagao – Earth

Gustav Theodore Holst was an English composer, arranger and teacher.

The Planets, Op. 32, is his seven-movement orchestral suite written between 1914 and 1916. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System.

The movements in Holst’s suite can be found below: