Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

November 12, 1921 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

Death

:

November 28, 1976 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

 

Robert Fleming was a Canadian composer who was born on January 12, 1921, in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of a prominent lawyer and a mother who was a talented pianist. Fleming's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Fleming began his musical education at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he studied piano and composition. He later continued his studies at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1942. After completing his undergraduate studies, Fleming went on to study composition with Aaron Copland at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts. Fleming's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of Copland and other American composers. His first major work, the Symphony No. 1, was premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1947 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The symphony showcased Fleming's skill as a composer and established him as a rising star in the Canadian classical music scene. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Fleming continued to compose works that were performed by orchestras and ensembles across Canada and the United States. His compositions during this period were characterized by their use of traditional forms and structures, as well as their incorporation of folk and popular music elements. One of Fleming's most famous works from this period is the opera "The Mysteries of Eleusis," which was premiered by the Canadian Opera Company in 1963. The opera tells the story of the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone and features a score that blends elements of classical and modern music. In the 1970s, Fleming's compositions began to incorporate more experimental and avant-garde elements. His works from this period often featured unconventional instrumentation and extended techniques, as well as electronic and computer-generated sounds. One of Fleming's most notable works from this period is the "Electronic Composition No. 1," which was premiered in 1970. The piece features a tape collage of sounds that were recorded in various locations around Toronto, including a subway station and a construction site. Fleming continued to compose throughout the 1980s and 1990s, although his output slowed somewhat during this period. His later works were often more introspective and reflective, and many of them were inspired by his experiences as a cancer survivor. Fleming's final major work, the "String Quartet No. 3," was premiered in 1998. The piece is a deeply personal reflection on mortality and features a hauntingly beautiful score that showcases Fleming's skill as a composer. Throughout his career, Fleming received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Canadian music. He was a member of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Canadian Music Council Medal in 1988. In 1990, he was awarded the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Robert Fleming passed away on September 27, 1976, at the age of 55. His legacy as one of Canada's most important composers continues to be celebrated today, and his works remain an important part of the Canadian classical music canon.

More....