A point of encounter
1903—1986
Composer · Violinist · Educator
South Africa · United Kingdom
20th century · Modernism
Overview
Priaulx Rainier was born in Howick, South Africa, and trained as a violinist before moving to London on a scholarship in 1920. She initially earned her living through performance, concentrating more fully on composition after receiving financial support in the 1930s. She taught composition at the Royal Academy of Music from 1943 to 1961. Her catalogue includes chamber works, unaccompanied vocal music and concertos written for particular performers, among them Yehudi Menuhin. She remained based in London and died in France in 1986.
[1]Cultural context
South African upbringing and a professional life based in London.
Musical Language
Rainier’s catalogue places individual instruments or voices in varied combinations. Cycle for Declamation sets John Donne for an unaccompanied singer, making words and the exposed vocal line the whole musical medium. Her chamber writing includes works for solo oboe, string ensembles and oboe with string trio.[1][2]
A point of encounter
A few paths into the music. Follow a recording, a score, or the composer’s catalogue.
01 / Score
Start with a single unaccompanied voice. John Donne’s words and the singer’s line are the entire performing medium; the publisher’s page provides the score and verified work details.
Explore the score — External website; opens in a new tabSelected works
1 / 1 · Selected Works — not a complete catalogue.
| Work | Year & catalogue | Forces & genre | Resources & verification |
|---|---|---|---|
Cycle for Declamation | 1953 | Solo tenor or soprano Unaccompanied vocal cycle | Schott Music Source-checked[2] |
A dash indicates that a date has not been established in this selection. External resources may have access or regional conditions.
Research
Original editorial summaries, checked against the sources below. Linked catalogues and recordings remain with their publishers and archives.
Publisher
Schott Music — Priaulx Rainier — External website; opens in a new tabPublisher
Schott Music — Cycle for Declamation — External website; opens in a new tabLast reviewed: