Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

November 7, 1877 in London, England

Death

:

June 28, 1950 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Henry Balfour Gardiner was a British composer, conductor, and musicologist who lived from 7 November 1877 to 28 June 1950. He was born in London, England, to a wealthy family, and was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford. Gardiner was a talented musician from a young age, and he began composing music while still a student at Oxford. Gardiner's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner, but he soon developed his own unique style. He was particularly interested in the music of the English Renaissance, and he incorporated elements of this style into his own compositions. Gardiner was also interested in the music of the French Impressionists, and he incorporated elements of this style into his later works. Gardiner's most famous work is his setting of the hymn "Evening Hymn," which is still widely performed today. The piece was written in 1908, and it quickly became popular with choirs and audiences alike. Gardiner's setting of the hymn is notable for its lush harmonies and rich textures, which create a sense of warmth and intimacy. In addition to his work as a composer, Gardiner was also a talented conductor. He founded the Bach Choir in 1875, and he conducted the choir for many years. The Bach Choir was known for its performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and it quickly became one of the most respected choirs in England. Gardiner was also a musicologist, and he wrote extensively about the music of the English Renaissance. He was particularly interested in the music of William Byrd, and he published several articles and books on the subject. Gardiner's work as a musicologist helped to revive interest in the music of the English Renaissance, and it had a significant impact on the development of English choral music. Gardiner's later works were more experimental than his earlier compositions. He was particularly interested in the use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, and he incorporated these elements into his later works. Gardiner's later works were also more introspective than his earlier compositions, and they often explored themes of loss and mortality. Despite his many accomplishments, Gardiner's music fell out of favor in the years following his death. However, in recent years there has been renewed interest in his work, and his music is once again being performed and recorded. Gardiner's contributions to English choral music are significant, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

More....