Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

December 15, 1920 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Death

:

March 30, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

Howard Cable was a Canadian composer and conductor who was born on January 15, 1920, in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Ernest Cable, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Edith Cable, was a pianist. Howard Cable began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and violin with his parents. Cable attended the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he studied composition with Healey Willan and conducting with Sir Ernest MacMillan. He also studied at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1943. After completing his studies, Cable began his career as a conductor and composer. Cable's early compositions were influenced by the music of his mentor, Healey Willan, as well as by the works of other classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. He also drew inspiration from Canadian folk music and incorporated elements of it into his compositions. One of Cable's early successes was his composition "The Banks of Newfoundland," which was premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1952. The piece was inspired by the traditional folk song "I'se the B'y," and it became one of Cable's most popular works. In addition to his work as a composer, Cable was also a respected conductor. He served as the conductor of the CBC Symphony Orchestra from 1956 to 1965 and conducted many other orchestras throughout his career. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians and for his attention to detail. Cable's compositions were performed by many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He was also commissioned to write music for many special occasions, including the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition in 1967 and the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. One of Cable's most famous works is his composition "The Newfoundland Rhapsody," which was premiered in 1967. The piece is a tribute to the music and culture of Newfoundland and incorporates elements of traditional Newfoundland folk music. It has become a beloved piece of Canadian classical music and is often performed by orchestras throughout the country. Another of Cable's notable works is his composition "The Banks of the Wabash," which was premiered in 1976. The piece is a tribute to the music of the American Midwest and incorporates elements of traditional American folk music. It has become a popular piece for American orchestras and is often performed at Fourth of July celebrations. Cable continued to compose and conduct throughout his career, and he received many honors and awards for his contributions to Canadian music. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1971 and was awarded the Canadian Music Council Medal in 1985. He also received honorary degrees from several Canadian universities. Howard Cable passed away on March 30, 2016, at the age of 96. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music and a deep love for Canadian culture and folk music. His compositions continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his contributions to Canadian classical music will always be remembered.

More....