John Reeman

John Reeman was born in 1946 in the United Kingdom. After following a variety of occupations, including six years as a member of a professional cabaret vocal act, he entered Hull University as a mature student to study composition and the flute. He was awarded the annual music prize, an Honours degree, and later a Master’s degree in composition. Reeman’s music is regularly performed throughout the United Kingdom and in venues abroad including Australia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Sweden, and the United States.

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The Peace of God - Vanguard Premieres Contest 2008 (Winner - General Category)

The Peace of God was composed during 2007 and 2008 and underwent quite a few revisions before arriving at the final version. The text is a blessing from the Book of Common Prayer. The subdued and slightly mysterious mood of the first section gradually changes to a more confident statement of the first line of the text before returning to the initial hushed atmosphere of the opening music. The second part is more affirmative and moves toward a jubilant climax. The final “amen” recalls the opening mood but in addition there is now an air of calm assurance. (Notes by the composer, 2008)