Roelof Temmingh

Roelof Willem Temmingh was Dutch by birth and emigrated to South African with his family in 1958.

He studied composition at the University of Cape Town, completing a Master’s degree in 1970. In 1979 he spent six months in the Netherlands to study computer music (1979).

After working at the Universities of Port Elizabeth (now NMMU) and Pretoria, he was appointed as lecturer in musicology and composition at the University of Stellenbosch (US) in 1973. He became an associate professor in 1992. He has won all the major composition prizes in South Africa.

According to http://www.operas.com.ar, “Although his earlier works reflect all 20th-century styles, Temmingh’s initial reputation rested primarily on his avant-garde compositions. Ligeti’s influence is present in many of them, most notably in Music for Two Pianos.

Other characteristics include the use of technology, electronic as well as concrète sound generation (frequently coupled with conventional instruments), collage, extensive use of quotations, aleatory techniques, eroticism, minimalism and stage acting by performers. His works of a more conventional style exhibit the influence of Bartók and Shostakovich (the Oboe and Organ Concertos).

Temmingh has composed exlusively in this more accessible style since about 1987, and works from this mature period (Drie Sonnette, Piano Concerto) largely overshadow his earlier output. They are marked by the rediscovery of tonality, inspired melody, a keen sense of harmony and exceptional skill in orchestration, and have established Temmingh as one of the foremost South African composers of his generation.”

Temmingh left the US in 2005 and spent his last years in Durban.