Rolf Rudin (born 1961 in Frankfurt/Germany) studied music education, composition, conducting and music theory at the Universities of Music and Performing Arts in Frankfurt and Würzburg, Germany. After graduating in composition (1991) and conducting (1992), he lectured theory of music at his Alma Mater in Frankfurt from 1993 until 2001. Since then, he has been living as a freelance composer near Frankfurt.
Many of his more than 100 compositions have won prizes at German and international competitions and are to be found on concert programs around the world. Apart from his already extensive productions for nearly all classes of music Rolf Rudin has, since 1989, also concentrated on compositions for symphonic wind orchestra.
I started to hear about Rolf Rudin during my first sabbatical in 1991. I spent most of that semester in Switzerland and Germany . . . Rolf was just getting started as a composer. Each time I returned, I heard a bit more about him and the wonderful music he was creating. I finally met him, and heard one of his pieces, at one of the many European festivals for wind music. He often came to Chicago in December of each year for a large international conference. We often met there, and I was introduced to more of his music. We performed several of his smaller works over the years, and in 2015, we were able to gather the needed forces for a performance of his "Requiem," op.70 (2005). It was a wonderful performance of a stunning piece of music.
Over the years, the Wind Symphony has enjoyed several collaborations with the Concert Chorale, and the Men’s Glee Club. Dr. Wiles has brought both of these ensembles to an exceptional level of musical proficiency, and our joint efforts have always been quite fulfilling. As I was planning my final season with the Wind Symphony, I very much wanted to have a new piece from Rolf. With the support of the School of Music, and the Men’s Glee Club, we were able to commission the "Te Deum" for a performance on our final concerts of the season.
The work is in three parts, separated only by a small pause, but leading to a much different character . . . and text . . . of music. The text comes from the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. The title is taken from the opening Latin words, Te Deum Laudamus . . . “Thee, O God, we praise.”
~~ Ronald Johnson ~~
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Northern Iowa Wind Symphony
Ronald Johnson, conductor
UNI Varsity Men's Glee Club
John Len Wiles, conductor
See the entire concert here: goo.gl/R8HKy5
Recorded on April 24, 2017 at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls. All rights reserved.