Meli, Gertrud Maria

Meli, Gertrud Maria, Swedish composer, organist, and sea captain; b. Ed, Aug. 15, 1947. She studied at the Lund Cons, (diploma in organ, 1967) and in Stockholm (music teacher’s diploma, 1968), and later pursued training at the Univ. of Marine Officers in Göteborg (1978–81), passing examinations as a mate (1979), ship mechanic (1979), sea captain (master mariner, 1981), radio telephone operator (1982), and ship engineer (1985). She began her career as a church organist in Ed at age 17 and became adept at improvisation; was organist in Töftedal (1967–76) and also taught music in Ed (1969–71) and Bengtsfors (1972–76). After working as a seaperson on transatlantic ships (1976–78), she pursued both music and navigation. She served as organist of the Pater Noster Church in Göteborg (from 1982), appeared as a recitalist in concert, radio, and television settings, and even made an appearance as a pop singer in her recording Mermaid (1977).

Works

orch.: 4 syms. (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967); Melodie aus dem Meer, symphonic poem (1980; also for Violin and Piano, 1976); Solvind (1984; also for Flute and Piano, 1975); Celeste cordialis for Strings (1985); Andante, symphonic poem (1988); Pacem for Strings (1990). other: String Quartet No. 1 (1969); piano pieces, including Fantasie (1961) and Impromptu (1971); organ music; improvisations for both piano and organ; choral works, including Pater noster for Soloists, Chorus, and Instruments (1983); songs; various pop pieces.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire