Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1921 in Freeport, IL

Death

:

July 26, 2003 in Washington, D.C.

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Richard Wayne Dirksen was an American composer, organist, and choirmaster who was born on January 7, 1921, in Freeport, Illinois. He was the son of a Lutheran minister and grew up in a musical family. His father was a skilled pianist and organist, and his mother was a singer. Dirksen began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Dirksen attended Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, where he studied music and theology. He later attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at Eastman, Dirksen studied with Howard Hanson, Bernard Rogers, and Howard Boatwright. After completing his studies, Dirksen served as the organist and choirmaster at several churches, including St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Chicago and St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York City. In 1953, he was appointed the organist and choirmaster at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., a position he held until his death in 2003. Dirksen was a prolific composer who wrote music for choir, organ, and orchestra. His compositions were influenced by the music of J.S. Bach, and he was known for his use of counterpoint and his mastery of harmony. Dirksen's music was often performed at the National Cathedral, and he was a frequent collaborator with the Cathedral Choir. One of Dirksen's most famous works is his setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, which is still sung at the National Cathedral today. The piece was commissioned by the Cathedral in 1958 and was first performed in 1960. Dirksen's setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis is known for its soaring melodies and intricate harmonies. Dirksen also wrote several works for organ, including his Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H, which is based on the musical motif B-A-C-H (B flat, A, C, B natural). The piece is a tribute to J.S. Bach, who often used the B-A-C-H motif in his own compositions. Dirksen's Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H is considered one of his most important works for organ. In addition to his work as a composer, Dirksen was also a respected organist and choirmaster. He was known for his ability to inspire and lead his choirs, and he was a mentor to many young musicians. Dirksen was also a champion of new music and often commissioned works from contemporary composers. Dirksen's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1980, he was awarded the Medal of Honor from the National Cathedral School, and in 1991, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the American Guild of Organists. Dirksen was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Richard Wayne Dirksen died on May 23, 2003, at the age of 82. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. Dirksen's contributions to the world of classical music have earned him a place among the great composers of the 20th century.

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