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Composer

 

Ralph Manuel was an American composer, conductor, and pianist who was born on April 1, 1951, in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Manuel began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the University of Connecticut, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1973. After completing his undergraduate studies, Manuel continued his education at the Yale School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1975. While at Yale, he studied composition with Jacob Druckman and conducting with Otto-Werner Mueller. Manuel also studied piano with Claude Frank and chamber music with the Tokyo String Quartet. Manuel began his career as a composer in the 1970s, and his works were quickly recognized for their beauty and emotional depth. His music was often described as lyrical and expressive, with a strong sense of melody and harmony. Manuel's compositions were influenced by a variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and folk music. One of Manuel's most famous works is his setting of the hymn "Alleluia." The piece was written in 1985 and has since become a staple of choral repertoire. The piece is known for its simple yet powerful melody and its ability to evoke a sense of spiritual transcendence. Manuel's "Alleluia" has been performed by choirs all over the world and has been recorded by numerous artists. Another notable work by Manuel is his "Agnus Dei," which was written in 1990. The piece is a setting of the Latin text from the Catholic Mass and is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and lush harmonies. Manuel's "Agnus Dei" has been performed by many choirs and has been featured in numerous recordings. In addition to his work as a composer, Manuel was also a respected conductor and pianist. He served as the music director of the Connecticut Choral Society from 1981 to 1992 and was the founder and conductor of the New England Chamber Choir. Manuel was also a sought-after pianist and frequently performed as a soloist and chamber musician. Throughout his career, Manuel received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1997, he was awarded the Connecticut Arts Award for his outstanding achievements in music. Manuel was also a recipient of the ASCAP Standard Award for his contributions to choral music. Sadly, Manuel passed away on December 17, 2016, at the age of 65. However, his music continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world. Manuel's legacy as a composer, conductor, and pianist is a testament to his talent and dedication to the art of music.

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