Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

1925 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Death

:

March 9, 1999

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Harry Somers was a Canadian composer who was born on September 11, 1925, in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of a prominent lawyer and a talented pianist, and his parents encouraged his interest in music from a young age. Somers began studying piano at the age of six and later took up the violin and viola. He attended the University of Toronto, where he studied composition with John Weinzweig and became involved in the city's vibrant music scene. Somers' early works were influenced by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and Hindemith, but he soon developed his own distinctive voice. His breakthrough came in 1954 with the premiere of his opera "The Fool" at the Stratford Festival. The opera, which was based on a play by Frederick Philip Grove, was a critical and popular success and established Somers as one of Canada's leading composers. Over the next few years, Somers continued to compose operas, including "Serinette" (1956) and "A Midwinter Night's Dream" (1957). He also wrote a number of orchestral works, including "North Country" (1956) and "Prairie Suite" (1958), which were inspired by the Canadian landscape. In 1959, he was awarded the first of many commissions from the CBC, which would become a major supporter of his work. In the 1960s, Somers began to experiment with new forms and techniques. He wrote a number of works for electronic tape, including "Electronic Music for Tape" (1960) and "Music for Instruments and Tape" (1963). He also composed a series of works for chamber ensemble, including "Five Songs of the Newfoundland Outports" (1962) and "Sonata for Harp and Chamber Orchestra" (1964). One of Somers' most famous works is his "Louis Riel" opera, which premiered in 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations. The opera tells the story of the Métis leader Louis Riel, who led a rebellion against the Canadian government in the late 19th century. The opera was a major success and has since become a Canadian classic. It has been performed numerous times and was even adapted into a ballet by the National Ballet of Canada. In the 1970s, Somers continued to write operas, including "Mario and the Magician" (1978) and "The Death of Enkidu" (1979). He also composed a number of works for choir, including "The Seven Last Words of Christ" (1970) and "The Fool's Prayer" (1975). In 1971, he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian music. Somers' later works were characterized by a more introspective and contemplative style. He wrote a number of works for solo instruments, including "Sonata for Solo Cello" (1981) and "Sonata for Solo Violin" (1984). He also composed a series of works for voice and piano, including "Songs of the Newfoundland Outports" (1982) and "The Death of Enkidu" (1983). Harry Somers died on March 9, 1999, at the age of 73. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be performed and celebrated in Canada and around the world. His works are characterized by their unique blend of traditional and modern elements, and their deep connection to the Canadian landscape and culture. Somers was a true pioneer of Canadian classical music, and his contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.

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