Claude Vivier
• Considered by many to be the greatest composer Canada has yet produced
• In early 1970s, studied composition with Stockhausen in Cologne
• A visit to Bali in 1976 caused him to re-evaluate his ideas on the role of the artist in society, visionary works that followed featured texts in an invented language, modal melodies harmonized by a complex overtone series, and shimmering orchestration
• Murdered at the age of 34, left behind 49 compositions in a variety of genres, including opera, orchestral works, and chamber pieces
• Called by György Ligeti “the greatest French composer of his generation”
• Other advocates include Mauricio Kagel, Reinbert de Leeuw, David Robertson, and Dawn Upshaw
Works by Claude Vivier include:
Siddhartha (1976) for orchestra
Kopernikus (1979) opera in two acts
Lonely Child (1980) for soprano and orchestra
> Explore Claude Vivier and his music in our comprehensive brochure.
Looking Ahead: Soprano Sophia Burgos joins Toronto’s Esprit Orchestra and Alex Pauk for Lonely Child (Apr 17)
“Many things can be said about the music of Claude Vivier, but one thing is certain: No one who hears it is quite the same afterward.” —Globe and Mail
