Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1960

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Nils Henrik Asheim is a Norwegian composer and organist who was born on April 19, 1960, in Bergen, Norway. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a church organist and his mother a pianist. As a child, he showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the organ and became a church organist at the age of 16. Asheim studied music at the Bergen Music Conservatory and later at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. He also studied composition with the renowned composer, Arne Nordheim. Asheim's early works were influenced by the minimalist style of composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass. However, he later developed his own unique style, which combines elements of minimalism, improvisation, and experimental music. Asheim's compositions are often inspired by nature, and he has a particular interest in the sounds of water. One of his most famous works is "Aquarium," which was commissioned by the Bergen International Festival in 2004. The piece is a sound installation that features the sounds of water, recorded in various locations around Bergen, including the city's fish market, harbor, and fountains. Another notable work by Asheim is "Cathedral," which was commissioned by the Stavanger European Capital of Culture in 2008. The piece is a site-specific installation that was created for the Stavanger Cathedral. It features the sounds of the cathedral's organ, which are manipulated and processed in real-time using computer software. Asheim has also composed several works for orchestra, including "Concerto for Organ and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in 2010. The piece features a solo organ part that is played by Asheim himself. In addition to his work as a composer, Asheim is also a renowned organist. He has performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also recorded several albums, including "Organ Music" and "Water Music." Asheim has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Norwegian Society of Composers' Music Prize in 2005 and the Lindeman Prize in 2010. He was also awarded the Order of Merit by the King of Norway in 2011. In conclusion, Nils Henrik Asheim is a highly respected composer and organist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique style, which combines elements of minimalism, improvisation, and experimental music, has earned him a reputation as one of Norway's most innovative composers. His works, which often draw inspiration from nature, are celebrated for their beauty and originality. Asheim's legacy as a composer and musician is sure to endure for many years to come.

More....