Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

April 23, 1919 in Liepaja, Latvia

Death

:

January 20, 2008 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Talivaldis Kenins was a Latvian-Canadian composer who was born on April 23, 1919, in Liepāja, Latvia. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Kenins began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and violin with his mother. He later attended the Liepāja Music School, where he studied composition with Jāzeps Vītols, a prominent Latvian composer. In 1944, Kenins fled Latvia with his family to escape the Soviet occupation. They settled in Germany, where Kenins continued his musical studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart. He studied composition with Johann Nepomuk David and conducting with Hans Müller-Kray. In 1949, Kenins immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. In Canada, Kenins quickly established himself as a prominent composer and educator. He taught at the Toronto Conservatory of Music (now the Royal Conservatory of Music) from 1952 to 1966 and at the University of Toronto from 1966 to 1984. He also served as the conductor of the Latvian Concert Association in Toronto from 1952 to 1966. Kenins' music is characterized by its lyricism, clarity, and emotional depth. He was influenced by the music of his native Latvia, as well as by the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. His compositions include orchestral works, chamber music, choral music, and vocal music. One of Kenins' most famous works is his Symphony No. 4, which was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1967. The symphony is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Kenins' experiences as a refugee and immigrant. It is characterized by its use of Latvian folk melodies and its dramatic contrasts between light and dark. Another notable work by Kenins is his Violin Concerto, which was written in 1974. The concerto is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases the soloist's technical abilities and musical sensitivity. It is characterized by its use of Latvian folk melodies and its rich harmonies. Kenins also wrote a number of choral works, including his Missa Brevis, which was written in 1959. The mass is a beautiful and contemplative work that reflects Kenins' deep faith and spirituality. It is characterized by its use of simple melodies and its rich harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Kenins was also a respected educator and mentor. He taught a generation of Canadian composers, including R. Murray Schafer, John Beckwith, and István Anhalt. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to his students. Kenins received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of Canada in 1985 and the Latvian Order of the Three Stars in 1995. He died on January 20, 2008, in Toronto, at the age of 88. In conclusion, Talivaldis Kenins was a talented and influential composer who made significant contributions to the Canadian music scene. His music is characterized by its emotional depth, lyricism, and use of Latvian folk melodies. He was also a respected educator and mentor who inspired a generation of Canadian composers. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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