Short bio John W.Downey
Full biography John W.Downey
John W. Downey was an American composer born on October 5, 1927. He is known for his contemporary classical music composition and conducting. He began his career in music at a young age and went on to study composition at the Juilliard School in New York City.
During his career, Downey composed numerous works for various musical ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and vocalists. Some of his notable compositions include "A Dolphin," "Sonata for Oboe and Piano," and "Concertino for Flute and String Orchestra."
In addition to his work as a composer, Downey also served as a music educator. He taught at several institutions, including Kansas State University and the University of Illinois.
John W. Downey passed away on December 18, 2004, at the age of 77. His contributions to contemporary classical music continue to be recognized and appreciated by music enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Compositions featuring John W.Downey
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soliloquy, for solo English Horn | 4:31 min | Chamber Music | 1996 |
| 2 | Ode to Freedom, for orchestra | 8:04 min | Orchestral | 1992 |
| 3 | Pyramids, for piano | 7:40 min | Keyboard | 1961 |
| 4 | Jingalodeon | 11:19 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 5 | What If? | 11:41 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 6 | The Edge of Space: Fantasy for bassoon and orchestra | 19:47 min | Orchestral | - |
| 7 | String Quartet No. 2 | 25:26 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 8 | Remembrance - Swing Set | 4:24 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 9 | Remember - Hungry Squirrel | 3:55 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 10 | Reaffirmation - Red Rose | 2:37 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 11 | Qu' en avez-vous fait?, for voice & piano | 6:46 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 12 | Portrait No.1 | 12:17 min | Keyboard | - |
| 13 | Octet for winds | 13:03 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 14 | Lydian Suite, for cello | 16:09 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 15 | A Dolphin | 12:16 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 16 | Inclusions, for soprano & piano | 2:51 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 17 | I Love, for soprano & piano | 1:48 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 18 | Harp concerto | 33:04 min | Concerto | - |
| 19 | For Those Who Suffered: Yad Vashem - An Impression, for orchestra | 25:59 min | Orchestral | - |
| 20 | Edges | 7:10 min | Keyboard | - |
| 21 | Eastlake Terrace | 5:08 min | Keyboard | - |
| 22 | Discourse for oboe, harpsichord & Str | 17:44 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 23 | Declamations | 15:49 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 24 | Concerto for double-bass & orchestra | 31:18 min | Concerto | - |
| 25 | Chant to Michelangelo, for orchestra | 14:08 min | Orchestral | - |
| 26 | Agort for wind quintet | 16:24 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 27 | Adagio Lyrico for 2 pianos | 10:04 min | Keyboard | - |
Albums featuring John W.Downey
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
The Music Of John Downey(CD, Album) | 1998 | MMC Recordings |
| 2 |  |
John Downey - London Symphony Orchestra, Robert Thompson (14), Geoffrey Simon – The Edge Of Space(CD, Reissue) | 1994 | Chandos |
| 3 |  |
John Downey - London Symphony Orchestra, Geoffrey Simon – Declamations • Discourse • Jingalodeon • Concerto For Double Bass And Orchestra | 1992 | Cala |
| 4 |  |
Music Of John Downey(CD, Compilation) | 1989 | Gasparo |
| 5 |  |
Plays John Downey | 1986 | Gasparo |
| 6 |  |
Fine Arts Quartet, John Downey, Ben Johnston, Ruth Crawford - Seeger – String Quartet No.2, String Quarter No.4, String Quartet (1931) | 1980 | Gasparo |
| 7 |  |
John Downey, Eldon Balko, Daniel Nelson, Anthony Paratore, Joseph Paratore, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Concert Choir, Israel Borouchoff, Stanley DeRusha – What If? (1973 A Dolphin (1974) Adagio Lyrico (1953) Octet For Winds (1954, rev. 1976).(LP, | 1977 | Orion |
| 8 |  |
Heitor Villa-Lobos, John Downey, Jean Françaix - The Woodwind Arts Quintet – Heitor Villa Lobos Quintette - En Forme De Choros / John Downey - Agort / Jean Francaix - Quintette(LP, Album) | 1973 | Orion |
| 9 |  |
John Downey / Alan Stout - George Sopkin, Armand Basile – Cello Sonatas(LP, Album) | 1969 | Composers Recordings Inc. (CRI) |
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