Role

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Composer  

Birth

:

1953

Period

:

Contemporary

 

Orlando Gough is a British composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1953 in Brighton, England, Gough grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Gough began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and the bass. Gough attended the University of York, where he studied music and composition. He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London. During his time at the Royal College of Music, Gough was awarded the prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship, which allowed him to study in Italy. Gough's early works were heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, which was popular in the 1970s. His compositions often featured repetitive patterns and simple harmonies. However, as Gough's career progressed, he began to incorporate a wider range of musical styles and techniques into his work. One of Gough's most notable works is his opera, "The Finnish Prisoner." The opera tells the story of a Finnish soldier who is captured by the Russians during World War II. The soldier is sent to a prison camp in Siberia, where he meets a group of other prisoners. The opera explores themes of isolation, survival, and the human spirit. Another notable work by Gough is his choral piece, "The St. John Passion." The piece is a modern interpretation of Bach's famous St. John Passion. Gough's version features a mix of traditional choral music and contemporary elements, such as spoken word and electronic music. Gough has also composed music for film and television. He has worked on several documentaries, including "The Secret Life of Chaos" and "The Secret Life of Waves." Gough's music for these documentaries is often atmospheric and experimental, using a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments. In addition to his work as a composer, Gough is also a writer and a teacher. He has written several books, including "A Pebble in My Pocket," which tells the story of a pebble's journey through time. Gough has also taught music at several universities, including the University of Sussex and the Royal Academy of Music. Throughout his career, Gough has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. In 2012, he was awarded the British Composer Award for his choral piece, "Birds on Fire." The piece was commissioned by the BBC Proms and was performed by the BBC Singers. Gough's music is known for its experimental and innovative qualities. He often incorporates a wide range of musical styles and techniques into his work, creating pieces that are both challenging and engaging. Gough's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and his work continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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