Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

May 9, 1939 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Bruce Mather is a Canadian composer who was born on August 8, 1939, in Toronto, Ontario. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Mather began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and violin. He later attended the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1961. After completing his undergraduate studies, Mather went on to study composition with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Boulanger was a highly respected teacher of composition, and Mather was fortunate to have the opportunity to study with her. He also studied with Luigi Dallapiccola in Italy, who was another influential teacher of composition. Mather's early works were influenced by the serialist movement, which was popular in the mid-20th century. Serialism is a compositional technique that involves using a series of musical pitches, rhythms, or other elements to create a piece of music. Mather's early works, such as his String Quartet No. 1, were characterized by their use of serialism. In the 1970s, Mather began to move away from serialism and explore other compositional techniques. He became interested in the use of computer technology in music composition, and began to incorporate electronic sounds into his works. One of his most famous works from this period is "Serenade for Synthesizer," which was composed in 1975. Mather's music is known for its complexity and intellectual depth. He often incorporates mathematical and scientific concepts into his compositions, and his works are often highly structured. Despite this complexity, Mather's music is also known for its beauty and emotional depth. One of Mather's most famous works is his "Concerto for Harpsichord and Chamber Orchestra," which was composed in 1980. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases the harpsichord's capabilities. It is also notable for its use of complex rhythms and harmonies. Another notable work by Mather is his "String Quartet No. 2," which was composed in 1983. The quartet is a highly structured work that incorporates elements of serialism and other compositional techniques. It is also notable for its use of extended techniques, such as playing behind the bridge and using harmonics. Mather has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 1993, he was awarded the Order of Canada, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Canadian citizen. He has also received the Prix Denise-Pelletier, which is the highest honor for the arts in Quebec. In addition to his work as a composer, Mather has also been a highly respected teacher of composition. He has taught at several universities, including McGill University and the University of Montreal. Many of his students have gone on to become successful composers in their own right. In conclusion, Bruce Mather is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are known for their complexity and intellectual depth, as well as their beauty and emotional depth. Mather's use of mathematical and scientific concepts in his compositions has made him a unique and influential figure in the world of contemporary classical music.

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