Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

June 18, 1950 in Barberton, OH

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Frank Ferko was an American composer of classical music, known for his choral and organ works. He was born on March 5, 1950, in Cicero, Illinois, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Ferko began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the organ. Ferko attended Loyola University in Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to study at the University of Chicago, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition and a Ph.D. in music theory. While at the University of Chicago, Ferko studied with composers such as Ralph Shapey and Shulamit Ran. Ferko's early works were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s. However, he later turned to more traditional forms and styles, particularly in his choral and organ works. Ferko's choral music is known for its lush harmonies and intricate counterpoint, while his organ music is characterized by its virtuosic writing and use of the full range of the instrument. One of Ferko's most well-known works is his "Stabat Mater," a choral work for mixed choir and string orchestra. The piece was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1997. The "Stabat Mater" is a setting of the medieval Latin hymn that tells the story of Mary's grief at the foot of the cross. Ferko's setting is known for its rich harmonies and expressive melodies. Another notable work by Ferko is his "Mass for the Holy Spirit," a choral work for mixed choir and organ. The piece was commissioned by the American Guild of Organists and premiered in 1992. The "Mass for the Holy Spirit" is a setting of the Catholic Mass that is known for its intricate counterpoint and use of chant melodies. Ferko's organ music is also highly regarded. His "Symphony for Organ" is a four-movement work that showcases the full range of the instrument. The piece is known for its virtuosic writing and use of complex harmonies. Ferko's "Missa Brevis" for organ is another notable work that is often performed in churches and concert halls. In addition to his work as a composer, Ferko was also a respected music theorist. He wrote several articles and books on music theory, including "Schoenberg's Serial Odyssey" and "Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis." Ferko was also a professor of music theory at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Ferko's music has been performed by many prominent ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Ferko died on December 21, 2020, at the age of 70. His legacy as a composer and music theorist continues to be celebrated by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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