Childs, Barney (1926-2000)

US composer and poet. He studied at Oxford and Stanford Universities, and with Elliott Carter and Aaron Copland. He was professor of composition at the University of Redlands, California, 1976-92. His music belongs to the avant garde, and allows the performer a large degree of freedom through improvisation and ‘self-generating structures’.

Works Orchestral two symphonies (1954, 1956), concerto for timpani and orchestra (1989).

Chamber eight string quartets (1951-74), two violin sonatas (1950, 1956), Sunshine Lunch and Like Matters for bass clarinet and ensemble (1984), horn octet (1984).

Instrumental Interbalances, six pieces for various groups (1941-64); Couriers of the Crimson Dawn, for any instruments (1977); 13 Classic Studies for the Contrabass (1981).

Vocal When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd (after Whitman, for soloists, chorus, and band, 1971).