Roux, Isak

b. Durban, South Africa, 4 April 1959

Born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal, Isak Roux studied at the then University of Natal where he obtained a BMus and, in 1988, his MMus in Composition with the dissertation "Local music: Exploring the technical possibilities for establishing a South African compositional style". This study was conducted under the supervision of Jürgen Bräuniger and the internationally acclaimed composer Kevin Volans.

In 1989 he relocated to Germany, taking classes in composition with Ulrich Süsse at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart, where, since 1991, he has been teaching at the Waldorf School Uhlandshöhe.

Roux's work as a composer, arranger and pianist (both solo and ensemble) started while he was at university. Musical direction of productions such as Wakeman, Wakeman 2 and With a little help from my friends followed.

Increasingly, he added choral composition and conducting to his list of musical activities.

Resident in Europe, Roux has participated in musical festivals such as the Tonkünstlerfest (Baden-Württemberg, 1990 and 1993) and the International Composers' Workshop (Amsterdam, 1996). In 1999, he delivered a lecture-recital for the Stuttgart German-American Society on South African (township) jazz.

Roux's commitment to African musical forms, rhythms and instrumentation has, however, remained central to his creative vision.

In his career he has composed syncretically in avant-garde, post-avant-garde and contemporary classical styles (so-called new music), with his music regularly being performed in Germany, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

As an arranger he has become especially well known for his arrangements of South African music (traditional Afrikaans, Cape-Malay and Zulu – for piano, ensemble and voice).

Over the past few years his musical association with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Kwela Tebza has brought him wider recognition as both composer and arranger, in South Africa and abroad.

COMPOSITIONS:

STAGE

Ritual: Modern ballet/dance music, choreography by Paul Douglas. Two pianos. 1997

ORCHESTRAL

Intrada Africana: small orchestra. 2005

Kwela Concerto: four penny whistles, string orchestra and percussion. 2004 (commissioned)

CHAMBER MUSIC

Music for Tenor Saxophone and Piano: 1981

Composition for String Quartet: 1981

Songs of the Urban Wanderer: violin and harp. 1987

Iculo lezingane: piano, vibraphone/marimba, percussion, cello. 1987

Landscape: trombone, tape, 1995

lines, fragments, machines: violin, synthesizer, percussion, tape. 1996, revised 1998

Sketches: flute, marimba. 1997

Four African Scenes, flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, bassoon. 1999; (commissioned)

Balafo (Études in African Rhythm): two marimbas. 1999

Kleine Chronik: clarinet, piano, 1999

Prime Cuts: Zwei Konstruktionen: oboe, cello. 1999 (commissioned)

Tekweni Suite: saxophone quartet. 2003 (commissioned)

Diepkloof Groove: saxophone quartet. 2007 (commissioned)

CHORAL

Dona nobis pacem: soprano, alto, tenor, bass (SATB), flute, double bass, percussion, piano. 1986

Missa Brevis: boys’ chorus (SSA), flute, cello, harpsichord, two African drums. 1991 (commissioned)

SOLO VOCAL

Verbeeldingsvlug: Text by Johann P. Boshoff. Solo voice. 1985

Die ou vrou se lied: Text by Johann P. Boshoff. Solo voice. 1985

Stations (The Way of the Cross) (bilingual text by Johann P. Boshoff), bass, speaker, string quartet, piano, harpsichord, percussion, 2002

PIANO

Music for Two Pianists. 1983

Ritual: Dance for Two Pianos. 1997

Preludes in African Rhythm. 1992-2000

Home. 2000

In Thy Presence. 2001

Penny Whistle Song. 2001.

Five South African Ragtimes. 2001

Piano Afrika Songs, 2001

Siyabonga. 2002

African Miniatures: Music for young pianists. 2004

Dr Kwela – Mr Ragtime, 2006 (commissioned)

ARRANGEMENTS / ADAPTATIONS:

Izintombi zaseKwatazi: Traditional Zulu. SATB. Undated.

Tischlied: Text by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and music Maxilian Eberwein. SATB, piano. 1986

Walil' umtwana: Original melody by Welcome Duru. SATB. 1986

Mit Lieb bin ich umfangen: Original by Johann Steuerlein. SATB. 1986

Tant' Hessie & Volkies: Traditional Afrikaans. SAB. 1986

Twelve (12) songs for Ladysmith Black Mambazo: arrangements for male voices and chamber orchestra, 2003 (commissioned)

Some Night Music, adaptations of three works by Mozart for four penny whistles, string orchestra, percussion and rhythm section, 2004 (commissioned)

Agnus Dei, baritone/mezzo soprano with piano and clarinet, 2006 revision of 1988 composition

Watermelon Song: saxophone quartet, vibraphone, bass guitar and percussion. 2007

Dona nobis pacem, new adaptation for ladies choir, piano and clarinet, 2007 (commissioned)

Cape Medley (in Afrikaans, of “Boegoeberg se dam” and “Saai die waatlemoen”), children’s choir and piano, 2007 (commissioned)

DISCOGRAPHY:

COMMERCIAL

Four African Scenes on News for Woodwinds. Domus Quintet (Dolphin, 1999)

African Journal (various pieces). (Mp3.com, 2000)

Eine Hand voll Erde (various pieces). Isak Roux on piano (self-released, 2000), First Composer’s Portrait Concert in Stuttgart

Piano Afrika: Isak Roux plays traditional folk songs. Isak Roux, piano (Rhythm Records, 2001)

Piano Afrika 2: Honky Tonk Solo. Isak Roux, piano (self-released, GEMA, 2002)

“Township Guitar” (from Preludes in African Rhythm). Peter von Wienhardt, piano (Edition Musikat, 2002)

Tekweni Suite on We are not alone. Saxofourte, (BMG Ariola Classics, 2004)

No Boundaries. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Isak Roux – producer, arranger, composer and pianist (Heads Up International HUCD 3092, 2005), nominated for Grammy Award in category Best World Music Album in February 2006