1921 - 1994 |
"A lyrical gift of utmost refinement"
"Passionate, intimate tonal music" "20th century opera at its finest" |
William Bergsma's legacy as composer and teacher remains a vital force in the world of music.
Endowed with great creativity and energy, he composed many beautiful symphonic, choral and instrumental works. His opera, "The Wife of Martin Guerre," has been hailed as one of the masterpieces of the 20th century. As Chair of the Juilliard Composition Department and later on the faculty of the Music Department at the University of Washington, he influenced an entire generation of composers including Philip Glass and Steve Reich.
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