Smalley, Roger (1943- )

English composer and pianist. He is an important and uncompromising exponent of the ideas of his former teacher, Stockhausen, and of the avant-garde stance in general. Of his own works, several, including the Missa Brevis (1967), are based on 16th-century models by William Blitheman. He was active with the electronic group Intermodulation 1969-76. Aleatory effects are also present in his music.

He studied at the Royal College of Music with Peter Fricker 1961-65. His study with Stockhausen in Cologne 1965-66 was a formative influence. He began teaching at the University of Western Australia in 1976.

Works Chamber septet for soprano and ensemble (text by Cummings, 1963), Missa Parodia for ensemble (1967), Pulses for five x four players (1969), William Derrincourt for baritone, chorus, and ensemble (1977), string quartet (1979), Ceremony I for percussion quartet (1987), Strung Out for 13 solo strings (1988).

Orchestral Gloria tibi Trinitas for orchestra (1965), The Song of the Highest Tower for soprano, baritone, chorus, and orchestra (texts by Blake and Rimbaud, 1968); Beat Music for four electronic instruments and orchestra (1971); Konzertstück for violin and orchestra (1980); piano concerto (1985).

Other Zeitebenen for four players and tape (1973), symphony in one movement (1981), The Narrow Road to the Deep North, music theatre (1983).