Role

:

Composer

 

Ghislaine Reece-Trapp was a British classical music composer who was born on August 22, 1951, in London, England. She was the daughter of a British father and a French mother, and grew up in a bilingual household. Her parents were both music lovers, and her father was a pianist who played in local jazz bands. Reece-Trapp showed an early interest in music, and began playing the piano at the age of five. Reece-Trapp attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied composition with Alan Bush and piano with Gordon Green. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1973, and went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the same institution in 1976. During her time at the Royal Academy of Music, Reece-Trapp was awarded several prizes for her compositions, including the Theodore Holland Prize and the John Longmire Prize. After completing her studies, Reece-Trapp worked as a freelance composer and pianist. She composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performers. Her music was performed in venues throughout the UK and Europe, and she received commissions from a number of prestigious organizations, including the BBC and the Royal Philharmonic Society. Reece-Trapp's music was characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and inventive use of rhythm. She drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including classical music, jazz, and folk music from around the world. Her compositions often featured unusual instrumental combinations, such as the combination of harp and percussion in her piece "The Garden of Dreams." One of Reece-Trapp's most notable works is her "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1985. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the solo piano, and features a wide range of moods and textures. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and helped to establish Reece-Trapp as one of the leading composers of her generation. Another of Reece-Trapp's notable works is her "String Quartet No. 1," which was premiered by the Arditti Quartet in 1990. The quartet is a complex and challenging work, featuring intricate rhythms and harmonies. It is a testament to Reece-Trapp's skill as a composer that she was able to create such a powerful and expressive work for such a small ensemble. Throughout her career, Reece-Trapp remained committed to promoting the work of other composers. She was a founding member of the Composers' Guild of Great Britain, and served as its chairman from 1987 to 1990. She also taught composition at the Royal Academy of Music, and was a mentor to many young composers. Tragically, Reece-Trapp's life was cut short when she died of cancer on December 31, 1996, at the age of 45. Her death was a great loss to the world of classical music, but her legacy lives on through her music. Her compositions continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world, and her influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary composers.

More....