Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1918

Death

:

2004

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

M. Searle Wright was a Canadian composer, organist, and choir director who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the 20th century. Born on August 6, 1907, in Toronto, Canada, Wright showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied music at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, where he received his diploma in organ performance in 1928. After completing his studies, Wright began his career as a church organist and choir director. He served as the organist and choir director at several churches in Toronto, including St. James' Cathedral, St. Anne's Anglican Church, and Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. During this time, he also began composing music, and his works were performed by various choirs and orchestras in Canada and the United States. Wright's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of the English choral tradition, particularly the works of composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams and Herbert Howells. His choral music was characterized by lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and a deep sense of spirituality. Some of his most notable early works include "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," "The Lord is My Shepherd," and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." In the 1940s, Wright began to experiment with more modern musical styles, incorporating elements of jazz and popular music into his compositions. He also began to write music for the theatre, including several musicals and operettas. One of his most successful works from this period was the musical "The King's Henchman," which premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1951. Throughout his career, Wright remained active as a performer, giving numerous organ recitals and conducting choirs and orchestras. He was also a respected music educator, teaching at the Toronto Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in music, including the composer John Beckwith and the conductor Elmer Iseler. Wright's later works continued to explore a wide range of musical styles and genres. He wrote music for film and television, including the score for the 1967 film "The Fox," and he also composed several works for orchestra, including the "Symphony No. 1" and the "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra." In addition, he continued to write choral music, including the "Requiem for a Young Poet" and the "Mass for Double Choir." Despite his many accomplishments, Wright remained a humble and dedicated musician throughout his life. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he was deeply committed to his faith and his community. He passed away on January 12, 1995, at the age of 87, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.

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