2011 Grawemeyer Award winner Louis Andriessen was born in Utrecht in 1939 and studied composition with, among others, Luciano Berio. From a background of jazz and avant-garde composition, he evolved a style employing elemental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic materials, heard in totally distinctive instrumentation. His acknowledged admiration for Stravinsky is illustrated by a parallel vigor, clarity of expression, and acute ear for color. Groups who have commissioned or performed his works include the San Francisco Symphony, BBC Symphony, Kronos Quartet, Ensemble Modern, Bang On A Can All-Stars, and the California EAR Unit. Among his collaborative works are a series of dance projects; the theater piece De Materie, created with Robert Wilson; and two stage works and a film by Peter Greenaway. Nonesuch Records has released a series of recordings of Andriessen's major works.
Music excerpts:
Letter from Cathy (2003)
Cristina Zavalloni, mezzo-soprano; Monica Germino, violin;
Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor
from Louis Andriessen La Passione (BMOP Sound 1011)
Passeggiata in Tram in America e Ritorno (1998)
Cristina Zavalloni, mezzo-soprano; Monica Germino, violin;
Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor
from Louis Andriessen La Passione (BMOP Sound 1011)
2011 Grawemeyer Award winner Louis Andriessen was born in Utrecht in 1939 and studied composition with, among others, Luciano Berio. From a background of jazz and avant-garde composition, he evolved a style employing elemental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic materials, heard in totally distinctive instrumentation. His acknowledged admiration for Stravinsky is illustrated by a parallel vigor, clarity of expression, and acute ear for color. Groups who have commissioned or performed his works include the San Francisco Symphony, BBC Symphony, Kronos Quartet, Ensemble Modern, Bang On A Can All-Stars, and the California EAR Unit. Among his collaborative works are a series of dance projects; the theater piece De Materie, created with Robert Wilson; and two stage works and a film by Peter Greenaway. Nonesuch Records has released a series of recordings of Andriessen's major works.