Role

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Composer

Birth

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1957

 

Howard Bashaw is a Canadian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1957, Bashaw grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His mother was a pianist and his father was a visual artist, and they encouraged their son to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Bashaw began his musical education by studying piano and theory with his mother. He later went on to study composition at the University of Alberta, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1980. He continued his studies at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1982. Throughout his career, Bashaw has been influenced by a wide range of musical styles and traditions. He has studied the works of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as contemporary composers like John Cage and Steve Reich. He has also been influenced by jazz, rock, and world music, and has incorporated elements of these styles into his own compositions. Bashaw's early works were characterized by their experimental and avant-garde nature. He was interested in exploring new sounds and techniques, and his compositions often featured unconventional instrumentation and extended techniques. One of his early works, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" (1982), was a multimedia piece that combined live performance with pre-recorded sounds and images. In the 1990s, Bashaw's style began to evolve. He began to incorporate more traditional elements of classical music into his compositions, while still maintaining his experimental approach. His works from this period often featured complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as intricate textures and timbres. One of Bashaw's most notable works from this period is "The Birth of Venus" (1995), a chamber opera based on the mythological story of the goddess Venus. The opera features a libretto by Canadian poet Tim Lilburn, and was commissioned by the Edmonton Opera. The work received critical acclaim for its innovative use of music and text, and helped to establish Bashaw as a major figure in Canadian classical music. In the 2000s, Bashaw continued to explore new sounds and techniques in his compositions. He began to incorporate more electronic elements into his works, and experimented with new forms and structures. One of his most notable works from this period is "The Glass Bead Game" (2003), a multimedia piece that combines live performance with video and electronic soundscapes. Bashaw's later works have been characterized by their emotional depth and complexity. He has continued to explore new sounds and techniques, but has also focused on creating works that are more accessible to audiences. His works from this period often feature lush harmonies and melodies, as well as intricate textures and timbres. One of Bashaw's most recent works is "The Wings of the Dove" (2018), a chamber opera based on the novel by Henry James. The opera features a libretto by Canadian playwright John Murrell, and was commissioned by the Edmonton Opera. The work received critical acclaim for its beautiful music and powerful storytelling, and cemented Bashaw's reputation as one of Canada's most important composers. Throughout his career, Bashaw has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music.

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