Julie Giroux (b. 1961) is a prolific composer in many media who has made her mark especially in the wind band realm. A Massachusetts native who grew up in Arizona and Louisiana, Giroux spent the early part of her career arranging and orchestrating music for film and television, as well as for several pop stars in Los Angeles. Since about 1997, she has focused her creative energies on original compositions. She has found broad interest in her work around the world, and she has been commissioned to write new music by ensembles of all levels. She is also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ causes. Most of her works are published by Musica Propria. Her website is a hub for her creative activities. She has profiles in many places, notably Wikipedia, the Wind Repertory Project, the American Band College, Louisiana State University (her alma mater), and the Lone Star Wind Orchestra. She also may have the best Facebook page in the universe.
One Life Beautiful was written in memory of and dedicated to Heather Cramer Reu “For her ‘one life beautiful’ that brought so much love and joy to our lives.” It was commissioned by the dedicatee’s family, including “Ray and Molly Cramer, husband Phillip Reu and children: brother Jeremy, his wife Michelle and children.” Giroux elaborates:
One Life Beautiful — The title itself is a double-entendre which in one sense is referring to the person this work is dedicated to as in “one life” that was beautifully lived. The other sense is a direct observation concluding that having only one life is what makes life so sacred, tragic and so very precious. This is an impressionistic work musically describing that condition. Shakespeare’s “sweet sorrow,” the frailty and strength of life, the meaning of what it is to truly live One Life Beautiful.
Here is One Life Beautiful performed by the Lone Star Wind Orchestra:
There’s more to see about One Life Beautiful at Giroux’s website, Musica Propria, and the Wind Repertory Project. Heather Cramer Reu died in a bicycle accident at age 42. There was news coverage of her death, and a family obituary.