Gerald Near Sheet Music

About Gerald Near

Gerald Near, born in 1942, stands as one of the foremost American composers of church music today. His primary musical style is deeply rooted in sacred traditions, particularly organ and choral works, often incorporating elements like Gregorian chant motifs. Near’s significant contributions to contemporary sacred music have earned him widespread recognition, with his compositions being performed in prestigious venues globally and becoming staples in church repertoires across the country.

  • Gerald Near studied composition with notable figures such as Leo Sowerby at the American Conservatory of Music and Leslie Bassett at the University of Michigan, where he also studied organ with Robert Glasgow. He later continued his composition studies with Dominick Argento at the University of Minnesota.
  • In 1982, Near was among the initial recipients of a McKnight Foundation Fellowship, an honor that coincided with the performance of two commissioned works at the American Guild of Organists (AGO) National Convention in Washington, D.C.
  • His works have been performed in renowned locations, including the BBC, Moscow's Tchaikovsky Hall, Leningrad's Capella Hall, England's prestigious Southern Cathedrals Festival, and Sydney's Opera House, with his "Magnificat & Nunc dimittis" and "St. John's Service" being particularly notable.
  • Beyond composing, Near has held significant positions as an organist/choirmaster at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Dallas and was Composer-in-Residence at the Cathedral of St. John in Denver. He currently serves as Choral Director and Cantor at Holy Faith Episcopal Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and directs Aureole Editions.

For musicians seeking rewarding and spiritually resonant repertoire, Gerald Near's sheet music offers an excellent choice. His compositions are particularly well-suited for church choirs and organists of intermediate to advanced skill levels, encompassing a range of works from anthems and motets to larger liturgical settings and organ concertos. Performing Near's music provides a fulfilling experience, as it combines a deep understanding of sacred texts and musical tradition with expressive contemporary craftsmanship, making it both challenging and profoundly moving for both performer and listener.

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