Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Switzerland

Birth

:

September 15, 1890 in Geneva, Switzerland

Death

:

November 21, 1974 in Naarden, The Netherlands

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Frank Martin was a Swiss composer who was born on September 15, 1890, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was the youngest of ten children and grew up in a musical family. His father, a Calvinist pastor, was also a composer and organist, and his mother was a singer. Martin began playing the piano at a young age and showed an early talent for music. Martin studied at the Geneva Conservatory, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He also studied with Joseph Lauber, a Swiss composer, and Paul Hindemith, a German composer. Martin was deeply influenced by Hindemith's music, which was characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and use of tonality. In 1918, Martin moved to Zurich, where he worked as a pianist and conductor. He also began to compose his own music, which was heavily influenced by his religious beliefs. Martin was a devout Christian and his music often reflected his faith. He composed a number of works for the church, including his Mass for Double Choir, which is considered one of his most important works. In the 1930s, Martin began to gain international recognition for his music. He won several awards for his compositions, including the Prix de Rome in 1940. However, Martin was not interested in fame or fortune and continued to live a simple life in Switzerland. During World War II, Martin's music was banned in Germany because of his Swiss nationality. However, his music continued to be performed in other countries, including the United States and England. In 1946, Martin was invited to teach at the Geneva Conservatory, where he remained until his retirement in 1957. Martin's music is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and use of tonality. He was deeply influenced by the music of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, and his music often reflects their influence. Martin's compositions are also characterized by their religious themes and his deep faith. Some of Martin's most important works include his Mass for Double Choir, his Petite Symphonie Concertante, and his Concerto for Seven Wind Instruments, Timpani, Percussion, and String Orchestra. Martin's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan, and Claudio Abbado. Martin died on November 21, 1974, in Naarden, Netherlands. He was 84 years old. Martin's music continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. His legacy as one of Switzerland's greatest composers is secure.

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