Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 23, 1922

Death

:

May 29, 2014 in Pretoria, South Africa

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Stefans Grové was a South African composer who was born on 23 June 1922 in Cape Town, South Africa. He was the son of a Dutch Reformed Church minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist and his father played the organ. Grové started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the University of Cape Town, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1943. After completing his studies, Grové worked as a music teacher and composer. He was also a member of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, where he played the viola. In 1950, he received a scholarship to study composition at the Royal College of Music in London. He studied under the renowned composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and received a diploma in composition in 1952. Grové returned to South Africa in 1952 and continued to work as a composer and music teacher. He was appointed as a lecturer in music at the University of Cape Town in 1953, where he taught composition and music theory. He also served as the conductor of the University Orchestra and the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. Grové's music was heavily influenced by his South African heritage. He incorporated elements of African music into his compositions, which gave his music a unique sound. He was also influenced by the music of other cultures, including Indian and Indonesian music. One of Grové's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, "Sinfonia Africana." The symphony was composed in 1962 and is considered to be one of the first works of classical music to incorporate African rhythms and melodies. The symphony is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of African life. The first movement, "The Dawn," represents the beginning of a new day in Africa. The second movement, "The Dance," represents the joy and celebration of life in Africa. The third movement, "The Dream," represents the hopes and aspirations of the African people. Another notable work by Grové is his opera, "Eietydse Eeue" (Contemporary Ages). The opera was composed in 1972 and is based on the life of the South African poet, C. Louis Leipoldt. The opera is sung in Afrikaans and incorporates elements of African music and culture. Grové's other works include chamber music, choral music, and solo works for various instruments. He also composed music for film and television, including the score for the 1965 film, "Dingaka." Throughout his career, Grové received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1972, he was awarded the Order of Meritorious Service by the South African government. He was also awarded the Medal of Honor by the South African Academy for Science and Art in 1982. Grové continued to compose music until his death on 29 July 2014 at the age of 92. His music continues to be performed and celebrated in South Africa and around the world.

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