Louis Andriessen is one of Europe's most eminent and influential composers * Music combines propulsive energy, economy of material and distinctive sonorities, often dominated by pungent wind and brass, pianos and electric guitars * Works show influence of Stravinsky* Has explored, in relation to music, the subjects of politics, time, velocity, matter and mortality in five works for large ensemble: De Staat (1976), De Tijd (1981), De Snelheid (1983), De Materie (1985-88), and Trilogy of The Last Day (1996-97) * A central figure in Dutch contemporary arts scene * Series of recordings on the Nonesuch label
Works by Louis Andriessen include: Hoketus (1977) for 2 groups of five instruments De Stijl (1985) for 4 women's voices, female speaker and large ensemble Writing to Vermeer (1997-98) Opera in six scenes, in collaboration with Peter Greenaway
Explore Andriessen and his music with our new free CD-ROM
Looking ahead: first US performances of La Commedia in Los Angeles (13 Apr 2010) and at Carnegie Hall in New York (15 Apr); premiere of Life, a new work for Bang on a Can in Milan (22 Mar), then touring in Italy, the Netherlands, and USA.
New Video: View an interview with Louis Andriessen talking about his life and music.
"Andriessen achieves a kind of honest rugged sonic splendour that communicates an unimpeachable creative honesty ..." — CD Review
