David Fanshawe

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David Fanshawe (* 1942 in Devon , England ; † July 5, 2010 ) was an English composer and music ethnologist .

Life

David Fanshawe was a composer, ethnomusicologist, conductor , lecturer and adventurer. His work lies at the crossroads of traditional and modern music.

Trained at St George's School , which prepares choir singing in St George's Chapel in Windsor , he began his career as a musician and producer of documentaries . He studied composition with John Lambert at the Royal College of Music . After that he made a name for himself mainly with choral works. In addition to vocal pieces, he composed the film music for more than 50 films and TV productions.

Fanshawe recorded thousands of hours of music on a ten-year odyssey across the islands of the Pacific Ocean that began in 1978. He documented the music and the orally transmitted traditions of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia with notes and photos. Most recently he lived in Wiltshire , England .

plant

Fanshawe's most successful work is the African Sanctus trade fair . In this piece, the Latin mass is contrasted with traditional African music recorded by the composer himself. The recordings come from Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya. The work consists of 13 movements and follows the route taken by the composer on which he made the sound recordings.

Works (selection)

  • Choral work African Sanctus for choir, soloists, percussion and tape
    • from it The Lord's Prayer , which is also performed separately
  • Dona Nobis Pacem
  • Fantasy on Dover Castle
  • Requiem for the Children of Aberfan
  • The Awakening

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Fanshawe, David
BRIEF DESCRIPTION English composer
DATE OF BIRTH 1942
PLACE OF BIRTH Devon
DATE OF DEATH 5th July 2010