Harrison Birtwistle
b. 1934
Snapshot
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Harrison Birtwistle is one of the leading European figures in contemporary music * Works combine modernist aesthetic with mythic power and emotional impact * Inspiration from contemporary art and the rituals of classical mythology and pre-history * Recent works include Panic composed for the Last Night of the BBC Proms and The Shadow of Night commissioned by the Cleveland Orchestra * Noted Birtwistle conductors include Boulez, Howarth, Eötvös, Knussen, Rattle, Bamert, Dohnányi and Barenboim * Winner of 1986 Grawemeyer Award and 1995 Siemens Prize * Recordings on Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Teldec, Etcetera, NMC, Black Box and CPO
Works by Harrison Birtwistle include:
Pulse Shadows (1989-96) for soprano, chamber ensemble and string quartet
The Last Supper (1998-99) Dramatic tableaux for 14 soloists, small female chorus, chamber orchestra and tape
Theseus Game (2002) for large ensemble and two conductors
Looking Ahead: German premiere of The Io Passion in Berlin (7 Nov); new music theatre project (summer 2009); feature at Bath Festival (2009)
View a video podcast of David Harsent introducing The Minotaur.
View a video podcast of David Harsent introducing The Minotaur.
"A great original ... one of the most gifted composers of his generation." — The Times
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