Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1942 in St. Paul, MN

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Gerald Near is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his choral and organ works. He was born on February 26, 1942, in DeKalb, Illinois, to a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Near showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Near's musical education began at the age of eight when he started taking piano lessons. He later studied organ with his father and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance from the University of Illinois in 1964. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition in 1966. After completing his studies, Near began his career as a church musician. He served as the organist and choirmaster at several churches in the United States, including St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Berkeley, California, and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Evanston, Illinois. During this time, he also began composing music for the church, including choral anthems, hymns, and organ works. Near's compositions are known for their rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and intricate counterpoint. His choral works often feature lush harmonies and expressive melodies, while his organ works showcase his virtuosic keyboard skills and his ability to create complex textures and harmonies. One of Near's most famous works is his "Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis," which was commissioned by St. Paul's Cathedral in London in 1985. The piece is a setting of the Evening Canticles for the Anglican liturgy and is scored for choir and organ. The work has been performed by choirs around the world and is considered a modern classic of the choral repertoire. Another notable work by Near is his "Three Hymn Improvisations for Organ," which was published in 1989. The piece is a set of three improvisations on well-known hymn tunes, including "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" and "All Creatures of Our God and King." The work showcases Near's improvisational skills and his ability to create new and exciting arrangements of familiar melodies. In addition to his choral and organ works, Near has also composed music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His "Concerto for Organ and Orchestra" was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1991 and has since been performed by orchestras around the world. Near's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received commissions from some of the world's leading choral ensembles, including the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, and the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. He has also been awarded the prestigious John Ness Beck Foundation Award for his contributions to church music. Today, Near continues to compose music and is widely regarded as one of the leading composers of choral and organ music in the United States. His works are performed regularly by choirs and organists around the world and are considered an important part of the modern classical repertoire.

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