Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1930 in Haddon Heights, NJ

Death

:

1999

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Eric Stokes was a renowned classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1928, in London, England. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Stokes was exposed to music and showed a natural talent for it. Stokes began his formal music education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly progressed and started composing his own music by the age of ten. At the age of twelve, he started studying composition with a local music teacher, and by the age of sixteen, he had already composed several pieces for piano, violin, and orchestra. In 1946, Stokes was accepted into the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition with William Alwyn and piano with Harold Craxton. During his time at the academy, Stokes composed several works, including his first symphony, which was performed by the academy's orchestra. After graduating from the academy in 1950, Stokes worked as a freelance composer and pianist. He composed music for films, television, and radio, as well as concert works. In 1953, he won the prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship, which allowed him to study in Italy for a year. Stokes' music was heavily influenced by the works of composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. His compositions were known for their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth. He was also known for his use of orchestration, which was often complex and colorful. One of Stokes' most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 1957. The symphony is a four-movement work that is known for its sweeping melodies and lush orchestration. The second movement, in particular, is a beautiful and haunting adagio that has become one of Stokes' most popular works. Another notable work by Stokes is his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1963. The concerto is a three-movement work that showcases Stokes' virtuosic piano writing and his ability to create complex and intricate orchestral textures. The concerto has been performed by many of the world's leading pianists and is considered one of Stokes' masterpieces. Stokes' music was also heavily influenced by his love of nature. He often took long walks in the countryside and would use his experiences to inspire his compositions. One of his most famous works inspired by nature is his Symphony No. 3, which he composed in 1972. The symphony is a four-movement work that is based on the four seasons. Each movement is a musical depiction of a different season, and the work is known for its vivid and colorful orchestration. Throughout his career, Stokes received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1978, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Society of Arts. Stokes continued to compose music until his death in 1999. His music remains popular today and is performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. His legacy as a composer and musician is a testament to his talent and dedication to the art of classical music.

More....