Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

November 17, 1952 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Christopher Butterfield is a Canadian composer who was born on December 12, 1952, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Butterfield began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and bass. Butterfield attended the University of Victoria, where he studied composition with Rudolf Komorous and electroacoustic music with Martin Bartlett. He later earned a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of British Columbia, where he studied with Jean Coulthard and Stephen Chatman. Butterfield's early works were influenced by the minimalist and post-minimalist movements of the 1970s. His compositions often feature repetitive patterns and simple harmonies, but also incorporate elements of improvisation and experimentation. One of Butterfield's most notable works is his 1983 composition "Trip," which was commissioned by the Vancouver New Music Society. The piece is scored for two pianos and percussion and features a driving, rhythmic pulse that gradually builds in intensity. "Trip" has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and is considered a classic of Canadian new music. Another important work by Butterfield is his 1991 composition "Alphabet Soup," which was commissioned by the CBC Radio Orchestra. The piece is scored for chamber orchestra and features a playful, whimsical character that reflects the title. "Alphabet Soup" has been performed by many orchestras in Canada and the United States and is a popular work in the contemporary classical repertoire. Butterfield has also composed numerous works for solo instruments, including "Piano Sonata" (1980), "Guitar Sonata" (1982), and "Bass Suite" (1984). These works showcase Butterfield's skill at writing for specific instruments and his ability to create unique and engaging musical textures. In addition to his work as a composer, Butterfield is also a respected music educator. He has taught at the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta, where he is currently a professor of music. Butterfield has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at many universities and music festivals around the world. Butterfield's contributions to Canadian music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was awarded the Jean A. Chalmers National Music Award for his contributions to Canadian music. He has also been awarded the Canada Council for the Arts' Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award and the British Columbia Arts Council's Lifetime Achievement Award. Overall, Christopher Butterfield is a highly respected composer and educator who has made significant contributions to the Canadian new music scene. His works are characterized by their inventive use of repetition and improvisation, as well as their playful and whimsical character. Butterfield's legacy as a composer and educator will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and composers.

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