Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

May 30, 1953 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Genre

:

Chamber

 

John Oswald is a Canadian composer, saxophonist, and sound artist who was born on May 30, 1953, in Kitchener, Ontario. He is known for his innovative approach to music composition, which often involves the manipulation and recontextualization of existing recordings. Oswald's work has been influential in the development of the genre of plunderphonics, which involves the use of pre-existing audio recordings as the basis for new compositions. Oswald began his musical career as a saxophonist, studying at the University of Toronto and later at York University. He was a member of several jazz and experimental music groups in the 1970s, including the CCMC (Canadian Creative Music Collective) and the Michael Snow Ensemble. In the early 1980s, Oswald began to focus more on composition, and his work began to incorporate elements of electronic music and sound art. One of Oswald's most famous works is "Plunderphonics," a 1988 album that consists entirely of manipulated samples from other recordings. The album was controversial at the time of its release, as it raised questions about copyright law and the ownership of musical material. However, it was also widely praised for its innovative approach to music composition and its use of technology to create new sounds and textures. In addition to "Plunderphonics," Oswald has composed a wide range of other works, including pieces for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo performers. One of his most notable works in this vein is "Spectre," a 1990 composition for orchestra that incorporates elements of spectral music and musique concrète. The piece was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Oswald's work has also been featured in a number of films and television shows, including the documentary "Music Is the Key" and the television series "The X-Files." He has collaborated with a wide range of artists and musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, Sonic Youth, and the Grateful Dead. Throughout his career, Oswald has been recognized for his contributions to the field of music composition. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Prix Ars Electronica in 1999 and the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2018. He has also been a frequent lecturer and teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students and audiences around the world. In conclusion, John Oswald is a pioneering composer and sound artist whose work has had a significant impact on the field of music composition. His innovative approach to using pre-existing recordings as the basis for new compositions has inspired a generation of musicians and artists, and his work continues to be celebrated and studied today.

More....