Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

1954

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

John Greer was a Canadian composer, born on May 23, 1954, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a church organist and his mother a pianist. Greer began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1976. After completing his undergraduate studies, Greer continued his education at the University of Toronto, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1978. During his time in Toronto, he studied composition with Samuel Dolin and John Weinzweig, two prominent Canadian composers. Greer also had the opportunity to work with visiting composers such as György Ligeti and Luciano Berio, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Greer's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. His first major composition, "Three Pieces for Orchestra," was premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1978 and received critical acclaim. The piece showcased Greer's innovative approach to orchestration, with unusual combinations of instruments and intricate textures. Throughout the 1980s, Greer continued to develop his unique musical style, incorporating elements of jazz, folk music, and world music into his compositions. He also began to explore the use of electronic music, incorporating synthesizers and computer-generated sounds into his works. One of his most notable compositions from this period is "The Seven Deadly Sins," a song cycle for soprano and chamber ensemble based on the traditional Christian concept of sin. The piece features a diverse range of musical styles, from blues and gospel to Middle Eastern and Indian music. In the 1990s, Greer's music became more introspective and reflective, with a focus on melody and harmony. He began to incorporate more traditional forms and structures into his compositions, such as sonatas and concertos. One of his most significant works from this period is "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1996. The piece showcases Greer's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create a seamless dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Greer was also a respected music educator. He taught at the University of Toronto, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the University of British Columbia, where he served as the head of the composition department from 2005 to 2010. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students to explore new musical ideas. Greer's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Canadian music, including the Order of Canada in 2010 and the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music in 1992. John Greer passed away on January 13, 2021, at the age of 66. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers around the world.

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