Gabriel Jackson
Gabriel Jackson (b. 1962) is a prominent English composer, particularly celebrated for his accessible yet distinctive choral works that fuse historical traditions with contemporary influences.
Early Life and Formative Musical Experiences
Born in Bermuda in 1962, Jackson's family returned to England when he was three years old (CompositionToday). His early musical development was shaped by his father, a "passionate and knowledgeable music-lover" with a large record collection, providing exposure to a wide range of music (CompositionToday).
The single most important influence on his musical life was his time as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral, a role he began around the age of eight (CompositionToday; Delphian Records). Singing "great music, to a very high standard, in an amazing building, day after day," proved to be an extraordinary and formative experience (MusicWeb International). While there, he studied under Allan Wicks, the cathedral's Organist and Master of the Choristers, a "hugely charismatic and inspirational musician" who championed contemporary music and encouraged Jackson's early compositional efforts (CompositionToday; MusicWeb International).
He formally studied composition at the Royal College of Music first with Richard Blackford and then with John Lambert, graduating in 1983 (Delphian Records; Wikipedia).
Influences on Compositional Development
Jackson's unique style is built on a foundation of diverse musical and artistic interests:
Tudor and Renaissance Music: The core repertoire at Canterbury Cathedral was Tudor music, leaving a lasting impact. Jackson is specifically drawn to the 16th-century English composers like Tallis, Byrd, and Gibbons, and is interested in the ecstatic, panconsonant sound and structural ideas of the late-Medieval and Renaissance periods (Classical Source; CompositionToday).
Twentieth-Century Masters: He cites Igor Stravinsky as a major influence, particularly for the use of block structures, the idea that "music is about other music," and his understanding of instrumental sound. He also acknowledges the "ecstatic qualities" and rhythmic drive of Michael Tippett's music (Classical Source; CompositionToday).
Conceptual Art and Popular Music: Jackson's instrumental pieces have been inspired by conceptual artists like Richard Long and Yoko Ono (Delphian Records). Additionally, a key influence is the sound of Soul and R&B music from the 1970s. He notes that his use of evolving melodies over a rhythmic ostinato is influenced by "the way the singer's semi-improvised vocal line rides the groove in RnB" (CompositionToday).
Historical Context and Thematic Influences
While Jackson’s work is rooted in the centuries-old tradition of liturgical and choral composition, he has also been influenced by modern technological ideas:
Aviation: A "longstanding interest in the technology and the aesthetics of aviation" has produced a series of works that explore the "miracle of powered flight" (Delphian Records; British Music Collection). His Airplane Cantata, which won a British Composer Award in 2012, is a notable example of this (Delphian Records).
The Liturgical Tradition: His compositions, such as The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ (2014) and numerous liturgical pieces, place him firmly within the contemporary movement of composers writing for Britain's cathedral and collegiate choirs, carrying on an unbroken sacred musical tradition (Delphian Records; OUP).
His prominence in the 21st-century choral scene was cemented by his designation as Associate Composer to the BBC Singers from 2010 to 2013 (Apple Music).
References
Apple Music. (n.d.). Gabriel Jackson.
British Music Collection. (n.d.). Gabriel Jackson.
Classical Source. (n.d.). Interview with Gabriel Jackson...
CompositionToday. (n.d.). Gabriel Jackson Interview.
Delphian Records. (n.d.). Gabriel Jackson - biography.
MusicWeb International. (2016). Gabriel Jackson interview [JQ].
OUP (Oxford University Press). (n.d.). Gabriel Jackson.
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Gabriel Jackson (composer).