Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1955 in Nashville, TN

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Fred L. Clinard, Jr. was an American composer of classical music, born on August 22, 1928, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the son of Fred L. Clinard, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Clinard. His father was a prominent businessman in Nashville, and his mother was a homemaker. Clinard grew up in a musical family, with his mother playing the piano and his father singing in the church choir. Clinard began his musical education at an early age, studying piano with his mother. He later studied with several prominent piano teachers in Nashville, including Mary Elizabeth Neal and Mary Belle Sinclair. He also studied composition with the composer and conductor, William Strickland. In 1946, Clinard enrolled at Vanderbilt University, where he studied music theory and composition with the composer and musicologist, Donald Jay Grout. He also studied piano with the pianist and composer, John Verrall. Clinard graduated from Vanderbilt in 1950 with a Bachelor of Music degree. After graduation, Clinard served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany, where he played piano in the Army band and continued to study composition with the German composer, Wolfgang Fortner. After his military service, Clinard returned to Nashville and began a career as a composer and music educator. He taught music theory and composition at several colleges and universities in Tennessee, including Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, and Belmont University. He also served as the music director at several churches in Nashville. Clinard's compositions were influenced by a variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and folk music. He wrote music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His works were performed by several prominent musicians and ensembles, including the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Blair String Quartet, and the pianist, John Verrall. One of Clinard's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra in 1963. The symphony is in three movements and features a variety of musical styles, including jazz and folk music. The work received critical acclaim and was praised for its originality and musicality. Clinard also wrote several works for solo piano, including his Sonata for Piano, which was premiered by John Verrall in 1957. The sonata is in three movements and features a variety of musical styles, including classical and jazz. The work is notable for its virtuosic piano writing and its use of jazz harmonies. In addition to his compositions, Clinard was also a respected music educator. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students. Many of his former students went on to have successful careers in music, including the composer and pianist, Michael Kurek. Clinard continued to compose and teach music until his death on December 31, 1998, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was survived by his wife, Mary, and his two children, Fred III and Mary Elizabeth. In conclusion, Fred L. Clinard, Jr. was a talented composer and music educator who made significant contributions to the classical music world. His compositions were notable for their originality and musicality, and his teaching methods inspired many students to pursue careers in music. His legacy continues to live on through his music and the many musicians he influenced throughout his career.

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