Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

January 25, 1926

Death

:

November 11, 2014

Genre

:

Vocal

 

James Erb was an American composer and arranger of classical music, best known for his choral arrangements of folk songs and spirituals. He was born on February 9, 1926, in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist and choir director, and his mother was a singer and pianist. Erb began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the organ and the cello. Erb attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where he studied composition and choral conducting. After graduating in 1948, he worked as a church musician and choral conductor in various cities, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Rochester, New York. In 1957, he became the director of choral activities at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. Throughout his career, Erb was known for his innovative arrangements of folk songs and spirituals for choir. He believed that these traditional songs had a timeless quality that could be adapted to any musical style or era. His arrangements often featured complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as unexpected twists and turns that kept the listener engaged. One of Erb's most famous arrangements is "Shenandoah," a traditional American folk song that he arranged for choir in 1956. The arrangement features a haunting melody and lush harmonies that capture the beauty and mystery of the Shenandoah River. It has become a staple of choral repertoire and has been performed by choirs around the world. Another notable arrangement by Erb is "Wayfaring Stranger," a traditional American spiritual that he arranged for choir in 1958. The arrangement features a simple, plaintive melody that is gradually built up with rich harmonies and counterpoint. It has been described as a "tour de force" of choral writing and has become a favorite of choirs and audiences alike. Erb also composed several original works for choir, including "The Seven Last Words of Christ," a choral setting of the final words spoken by Jesus on the cross. The work features a dramatic, emotional score that captures the intensity and pathos of the crucifixion. It has been performed by choirs around the world and has been praised for its powerful impact. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Erb was also a respected choral conductor and educator. He was known for his rigorous rehearsals and attention to detail, as well as his ability to inspire and motivate his singers. Many of his former students went on to become successful choral conductors and educators themselves. Erb received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Westminster Choir College and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Choral Directors Association. He died on April 9, 2016, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and inspiring choral music.

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