Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 24, 1949 in Summit, NJ

Death

:

October 19, 2014 in St. Paul, MN

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Stephen Paulus was an American composer of classical music who was born on August 24, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a church organist and his mother a singer. Paulus began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the organ and trumpet. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied composition with Paul Fetler and Dominick Argento. Paulus' early works were influenced by the music of Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber, but he later developed his own unique style that blended traditional tonality with modern harmonies and rhythms. His music is known for its lyricism, emotional depth, and accessibility. One of Paulus' most famous works is his oratorio "To Be Certain of the Dawn," which was commissioned by the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. The piece features a libretto by Michael Dennis Browne and combines elements of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim music to create a powerful message of hope and reconciliation. Another notable work by Paulus is his opera "The Postman Always Rings Twice," which is based on the novel by James M. Cain. The opera premiered at the Minnesota Opera in 1982 and has since been performed by several other companies. Paulus' other operas include "The Village Singer" and "Helena's Dream." Paulus also composed a large number of choral works, including "Pilgrims' Hymn," which has become one of his most popular pieces. The work features a simple melody and harmonies that are easy to sing, making it a favorite of choirs around the world. Other notable choral works by Paulus include "The Road Home," "Hymn to the Eternal Flame," and "The Day is Done." In addition to his choral and operatic works, Paulus also composed a number of instrumental pieces, including several concertos for various instruments. His "Concerto for Two Trumpets and Band" is a popular work for brass ensembles, while his "Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble" has been performed by several major orchestras. Throughout his career, Paulus received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Academy Award in Music, as well as the ASCAP Foundation's Victor Herbert Award. He also served as the Composer-in-Residence for the Minnesota Orchestra from 1983 to 1985. Sadly, Paulus passed away on October 19, 2014, at the age of 65. However, his music continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world. His legacy as one of America's most beloved composers of classical music lives on through his many works, which are known for their beauty, emotional depth, and accessibility.

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