Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Die Reihe is a contemporary classical music group based in Vienna, Austria. The ensemble was founded in 1958 by composer and conductor Friedrich Cerha, who sought to create a platform for the performance of contemporary music in Austria. Over the years, the ensemble has become one of the most important and influential contemporary music groups in Europe, known for their innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The early years of Ensemble Die Reihe were marked by a commitment to performing the music of the Second Viennese School, including works by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern. However, the ensemble quickly expanded their repertoire to include works by other contemporary composers, both Austrian and international. In the 1960s and 1970s, Ensemble Die Reihe became associated with the avant-garde movement in music, performing works by composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen, Pierre Boulez, and Luigi Nono. One of the highlights of Ensemble Die Reihe's early years was their performance of Stockhausen's "Gruppen" in 1963. This groundbreaking work for three orchestras was performed in a large hall in Vienna, with the audience seated in the center of the space surrounded by the musicians. The performance was a sensation, and helped to establish Ensemble Die Reihe as a leading force in contemporary music. In the 1980s and 1990s, Ensemble Die Reihe continued to expand their repertoire, performing works by a new generation of composers such as Helmut Lachenmann, Brian Ferneyhough, and Salvatore Sciarrino. The ensemble also began to collaborate with other artists, including dancers, visual artists, and theater companies. One notable collaboration was with the choreographer William Forsythe, who created a dance piece called "Impressing the Czar" set to music by Thom Willems and performed by Ensemble Die Reihe. In addition to their performances, Ensemble Die Reihe has also been active in commissioning new works by contemporary composers. Over the years, the ensemble has premiered works by many important composers, including György Ligeti, Wolfgang Rihm, and Beat Furrer. These commissions have helped to shape the contemporary music landscape, and have contributed to the ongoing evolution of the genre. Ensemble Die Reihe has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1998, the ensemble was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, in recognition of their contributions to contemporary music. In 2008, the ensemble was awarded the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The prize recognized the ensemble's "outstanding achievements in the field of contemporary music, particularly in the interpretation of new works and in the promotion of young composers." Today, Ensemble Die Reihe continues to be a vital force in contemporary music. The ensemble's commitment to innovation and experimentation has helped to shape the genre, and their virtuosic performances have inspired countless musicians and audiences around the world. As the ensemble looks to the future, they remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary music and exploring new possibilities for artistic expression.

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