Louis Andriessen
b. 1939
Snapshot
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) * Stageworks include operas Writing to Vermeer (1997-98), La Commedia (2004-08) and monodrama Anaïs Nin (2009-10) * A central figure in Dutch contemporary arts scene * Winner of the 2011 Grawemeyer Award * 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: Rosa's Horses, a new suite from his opera with Peter Greenaway, premiered at Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (18 May); orchestral work Mysteriën to be premiered by Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Mariss Jansons in Amsterdam (3 Nov); new concerto Tapdance for percussionist Colin Currie and Asko/Schoenberg Ensemble to be premiered in Amsterdam (24 May 2014)
New Video: View an interview with Louis Andriessen talking about his life and music.
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
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WAR & PEACE
As we approach the centenary of the First World War (1914-18), explore music suitable for commemorative features.
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