London composition prof dies at 67
RIPMexico’s centre of musical arts has announced the death of Javier Alvarez, one of the country’s best known composers.
Alvarez took his doctorate in London and lived there from 1980 to 2005 as professor of composition at the Royal College of Music and at the University of Hertfordshire. He also served as Chairman of the Sonic Arts Network and Artistic Director of the Society for the Promotion of New Music (SPNM).
I’m afraid that I only know his Metro Chabacano, which I first heard on a Brodsky Quartet CD that I previewed many years ago. It believe that, despite it’s diminutive length, it is a really excellent work. RIP Javier Alvarez.
How sad. I met him at Dartington with Sonic Arts Network. My introduction to electronic music.
I didn’t previously know even that work, Metro Chabacano. Not sure the work is diminutive in length, but it is short lasting just 5 seconds shy of 4 minutes. A good work, especially the ending, and it was certainly well played by the quartet. A Mexican piano friend of mine will certainly be saddened that Alvarez has died. So, RIP Javier Alvarez.