Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1971 in Graz, Austria

 

Klaus Lang is a contemporary Austrian composer who was born on June 17, 1971, in Graz, Austria. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a church musician and his mother a music teacher. Lang began playing the piano at a young age and later studied composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. Lang's early works were heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, particularly the works of Steve Reich and Philip Glass. However, he soon began to develop his own unique style, which is characterized by a focus on sound and texture rather than melody and harmony. One of Lang's most notable works is his cycle of pieces for organ, entitled "Mehr Licht." The cycle consists of seven pieces, each of which is named after a different color. The pieces are performed on a specially designed organ, which has 12 manuals and 72 stops. The cycle was premiered in 2008 and has since been performed in numerous venues around the world. Another significant work by Lang is his opera "Der Wanderer," which was premiered in 2012. The opera is based on the poem "Der Wanderer" by Friedrich Nietzsche and explores themes of isolation and alienation. The music is characterized by Lang's signature focus on sound and texture, with the singers often using extended vocal techniques to create unusual sounds. In addition to his work as a composer, Lang is also a professor of composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2014. Lang's music is often described as challenging and experimental, but also deeply rewarding for those who take the time to engage with it. His focus on sound and texture creates a unique listening experience that is unlike anything else in contemporary classical music.

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