Harrison Birtwistle b. 1934

A leading figure in European contemporary music, Birtwistle's roots lie in the work of key European modernists, Stravinsky pre-eminent among them, and his music can be bold, violent & primitive such as in Panic; yet also can be just as powerfully soft, lyrical & contemplative, such as in Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker. It can be said that his works combine a modernist aesthetic with mythic power and direct emotional impact: he has a strong sense of theatre.

Birtwistle gains inspiration from contemporary art and the rituals of classical mythology and pre-history. He won the 1986 Grawemeyer Award and the 1995 Siemens Prize, and noted Birtwistle conductors include Boulez, Rattle and Barenboim.

Works by Birtwistle include:
Panic (1995) a dithyramb for alto saxophone, drummer and orchestra
Pulse Shadows (1989-96) for soprano, chamber ensemble and string quartet
The Last Supper (1998-99) a dramatic tableaux for 14 soloists, female chorus, chamber orchestra and tape

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