Christopher James
Christopher James (1952-2008) was born in Harare, Zimbabwe 1952. His father ran several farms in former Southern Rhodesia. Although he studied the clarinet and piano from a young age, on leaving school he entered a career in chartered accountancy. This career was short-lived and on turning twenty-one he embarked on a musical career. He immigrated to South Africa in 1974 to study music at the University of Pretoria where he studied composition with Stefans Grové and organ with Stephanus Zondagh. During these years he won a number of prizes and scholarships and in 1978 he obtained a teaching position in the Department of Musicology at the University of South Africa. After completing his Masters degree he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for doctoral studies in the United States of America. During the years 1983 to 1985 he furthered his studies at the University of Cincinnati where he studied composition, musicology and music theory with leading American teachers. During this period, much of his work was performed and some of it was broadcast on American public radio. Since his return to South Africa in 1985, he displayed a growing interest in African music. His doctoral dissertation, Images from Africa, was a choral symphony which made use of African poets. The music combined African melodic and rhythmic features with the contemporary European musical tradition. It was completed in 1987 and in 1989 Christopher James was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts. James was the recipient of the Forte composition prize as well as the Roodepoort International Eisteddfod composition prize. In 1993-1994 he orchestrated the original version of Ushaka, and in recent years wrote two piano concertos and a symphonic poem, Paradise Regained. His most recent work is a four movement cello concerto.
1. These items were donated by Marjorie James and have been digitised with permission from the daughter of the composer, Melissa James. 2. These items may only be used for research/academic purposes and not for commercial purposes. 3. These items may not be copied, disseminated, published, exhibited, reproduced or broadcast in any manner or form without the written permission of one of the following parties: The Composer’s representative, or SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation), or an affiliated performing rights society. 4. The Documentation Centre for Music (DOMUS), Music Library, Stellenbosch University, as custodian of these collections, should be notified when permission for copying, dissemination, publishing, exhibiting, reproduction or broadcasting is obtained from the Composer’s representative or SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) or an affiliated performing rights society. 5. Citation: State that the original documents are in the possession of the Documentation Centre for Music (DOMUS), Music Library, Stellenbosch University and provide the link to the item.
Recent Submissions
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There is no greater love than this that a man should lay down his life for his friends : selected verses from St. John, chapter 15
Typeset copy with corrections in ink. 'Dedicated to the Grace, Mercy and Glory of God.' Baritone solo, soprano, alto and tenor bass. -
There is no greater love than this that a man should lay down his life for his friends : selected verses from St. John, chapter 15
Typeset copy with additions and corrections in ink. 'Dedicated to the Grace, Mercy and Glory of God.' Baritone solo, soprano, alto and tenor bass. -
Pesalome (Psalm 23), for two sopranos and two altos
(1)Manuscript copy. Commissioned by the Roodepoort Eisteddfod, 1991. Includes texts in Tswana and English. -
Pesalome (Psalm 23) : sketches, for two sopranos and two altos
Sketches. Includes texts in Tswana and English. -
Psalm 150, for organ and five-part choir
Manuscript score. Contains stamp: 'SAMRO repertoire, date received: 1-11-1977.' -
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O Haupt voll Blut un Wunden
Manuscript book. Trio on ‘O Haupt voll Blut un Wunden' -- Psalm 121, for organ and four-part choir -- Selected verses from Psalm 51 for unaccompanied four-part choir -- Selected verses from Psalm 4 (vs 1, 3 & 8) for ... -
Two anthems for unaccompanied choir
Manuscript score. 1. Answer me O God [Psalm 4] -- 2. Have mercy on me O Lord [Psalm 51]. 1977, revised 1984. 'Selected verses from Psalm 4 (vs 1, 3, 8) (RSV).' 'Selected verses from Psalm 51 for unaccompanied choir. Verses ... -
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, for organ and full choir
Copy of manuscript score. Contains time duration. -
Magnificat for organ and full choir and 1 Corinthians Ch 13 vs 1-8
Manuscript book. Includes text for 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. J.B. Phillips translation. Christian love - the highest and best gift. -
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String quartet no 3
1. The sea at sunrise - Adagio calmato e tranquilllo -- 2. The sea at midday -- Poco scherzando e grazioso -- 3. The sea at mid-afternoon - Allegro tempestuoso -- 4. The sea at night - Adagio cantabile e sostenuto - Quasi ... -
String quartet no 2
1. Lento calmato -- 2. Allegretto grazioso -- 3. Quasi scherzando -- 4. Allegro appassionato - molto espressivo con rubato -- 5. Adagio cantabile e melancholico -- 6. Allegro furioso -- 7. Andante capriccioso. Dedicated ... -
Drie Psalms : vir gemengde koor en orrel : tot die genade en eer van God
Manuscript score. Psalm 8 -- Psalm 121 -- Psalm 103. Contains corrections. -
Dialogue for violin and cello
(1985-02) -
Transformations for solo flute
(1995) -
Soliloquy for double bass
(2006) -