Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

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June 6, 1958 in Lienz, Austria

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Wolfgang Mitterer is a contemporary Austrian composer and organist, born on January 16, 1958, in Lienz, Austria. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a choir conductor and his mother a pianist. Mitterer started playing the organ at the age of six and later studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Mitterer's early works were influenced by the avant-garde and experimental music of the 1970s. He was particularly interested in the use of electronics and computer technology in music composition. In the 1980s, he became a member of the Viennese improvisation scene, collaborating with musicians such as Franz Koglmann and Christian Muthspiel. Mitterer's compositions often combine traditional instruments with electronic sounds and live processing. He is known for his innovative use of the organ, which he often treats as a sound generator rather than a traditional instrument. His works are characterized by their complex textures, unconventional harmonies, and use of extended techniques. One of Mitterer's most significant works is his opera "massacre," which premiered in 1999 at the Wiener Festwochen. The opera is based on the events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and features a libretto by Michael Sturminger. The music combines elements of African music with Mitterer's signature electronic soundscapes. The opera was well-received and has been performed in several countries. Another notable work by Mitterer is his "Organ2/ASLSP," a reimagining of John Cage's "Organ2/ASLSP" (As Slow As Possible). Mitterer's version features live processing and electronic sounds, creating a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere. The piece was commissioned by the St. Florian Monastery in Austria, where it was performed over the course of several years, with the final chord lasting for over an hour. Mitterer has also composed several works for orchestra, including "Lichtungen" and "Sinfonia Concertante." His orchestral works often feature unconventional instrumentation and extended techniques, such as the use of prepared piano and amplified instruments. In addition to his work as a composer, Mitterer is also a renowned organist. He has performed at several prestigious venues, including the Salzburg Festival and the Berlin Philharmonic. He is known for his improvisational skills and often incorporates improvisation into his performances. Mitterer has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Austrian State Prize for Music in 2008. He continues to be an active composer and performer, pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music with his innovative and experimental approach.

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