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: London Symphony Orchestra performs Vivier’s Orion, led by Barbara Hannigan (Mar 20)

“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