Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1954 in Palma de Majorca, Spain

 

Agustí Fernández is a renowned Spanish pianist and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on June 28, 1954, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Fernández grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music from an early age. Fernández began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano and music theory with his father. He later went on to study at the Conservatory of the Balearic Islands, where he received a degree in piano performance. After completing his studies, Fernández moved to Barcelona, where he began to explore the world of contemporary classical music. In the early 1980s, Fernández became involved with the improvised music scene in Barcelona, collaborating with musicians such as Joan Saura, Lluís Soler, and Agustí Martínez. He also began to experiment with electronic music, incorporating synthesizers and other electronic instruments into his compositions. Fernández's early works were heavily influenced by the free jazz movement, with a focus on improvisation and experimentation. His compositions often featured complex rhythms and dissonant harmonies, reflecting his interest in avant-garde music. One of Fernández's most significant works from this period is his 1987 album "Un llamp que no s'acaba mai" (A Lightning Bolt That Never Ends), which features a series of improvised pieces for piano and percussion. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish Fernández as a leading figure in the Spanish contemporary classical music scene. Throughout the 1990s, Fernández continued to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music, collaborating with musicians from around the world and incorporating a wide range of musical influences into his compositions. He also began to explore the use of prepared piano, a technique in which objects are placed on or between the strings of the piano to alter its sound. In 1998, Fernández released his album "El laberint de la memòria" (The Labyrinth of Memory), which features a series of compositions for prepared piano and electronics. The album showcases Fernández's innovative approach to composition, with pieces that range from delicate and introspective to chaotic and dissonant. In the early 2000s, Fernández began to focus more on solo piano performance, developing a unique style that blends improvisation with classical technique. His solo performances often feature extended techniques, such as playing inside the piano or using the pedals to create unusual sounds. One of Fernández's most notable solo piano works is his 2005 album "Mutza," which features a series of improvised pieces for prepared piano. The album showcases Fernández's virtuosic piano playing and his ability to create complex, multi-layered compositions on the fly. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Fernández has also been involved in music education, teaching at the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya and the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Today, Fernández is considered one of the most important figures in contemporary classical music, with a career that spans over four decades. His innovative approach to composition and performance has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans around the world.

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