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.

27 August

August 27th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe August, Clarke, Viola Sonata

Rebecca Clarke 27 August 1886 – 13 October 1979

Viola Sonata

Rebecca Clarke
By Hopkins Studio, Denver, Colorado, United States – Smaller version: http://saintpaulsunday.publicradio.org/featured_artists/rebeccaclarke.html; Larger version: http://www.fingerlakeschamberensemble.org/1.11.09.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4525642

Rebecca Helferich Clarke was a notable British composer and violist born on 27 August 1886 in Harrow, England. She grew up in a musical family, with her father being American and her mother German. Clarke showed talent from a young age, beginning her music studies at the Royal Academy of Music and later at the Royal College of Music. As one of the first female professional orchestral players in London, she broke barriers in a male-dominated field.

During her career, Clarke wrote many beautiful pieces for viola, which showcased her exceptional skills as a performer. Her renowned works include the Viola Sonata and Morpheus, composed under the pseudonym ‘Anthony Trent.’ After World War II, she moved to the United States and married composer James Friskin. Although she composed fewer pieces later in life, her legacy continued to grow. In 2000, the Rebecca Clarke Society was established to honour her music and ensure it is played for generations to come. Clarke died on 13 October 1979.