Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Sweden

Birth

:

September 13, 1932 in Göthenburg, Sweden

Death

:

July 2, 2013 in Uppsala, Sweden

 

Bengt Hallberg was a Swedish jazz and classical music composer, pianist, and arranger. He was born on September 13, 1932, in Gothenburg, Sweden. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a classical pianist. Bengt grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano at a young age. He was a child prodigy and gave his first public performance at the age of six. Bengt's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He studied at the Gothenburg Conservatory and later at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Bengt was a versatile musician and excelled in both classical and jazz music. He was influenced by the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Art Tatum, among others. Bengt started his career as a jazz pianist and played with some of the best musicians in Sweden. He was a member of the Arne Domnérus Quintet and played with the likes of Lars Gullin, Rolf Ericson, and Quincy Jones. Bengt's jazz compositions were highly regarded, and he won several awards for his work. In the 1960s, Bengt started to focus more on classical music. He composed several works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His compositions were characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and inventive use of rhythm. Bengt's music was influenced by the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as by jazz and Swedish folk music. One of Bengt's most famous works is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which he composed in 1967. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases Bengt's skills as a pianist and composer. It has been performed by many of the world's leading pianists, including Martha Argerich, Emil Gilels, and Vladimir Ashkenazy. Bengt also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he wrote in 1972. The quartet is a beautiful and lyrical work that demonstrates Bengt's mastery of harmony and counterpoint. It has been performed by many of the world's leading string quartets, including the Emerson Quartet and the Tokyo Quartet. In addition to his classical compositions, Bengt was also a prolific arranger. He arranged music for many of Sweden's leading jazz musicians, including Arne Domnérus, Lars Gullin, and Jan Johansson. Bengt's arrangements were characterized by their inventive use of harmony and rhythm, as well as their sensitivity to the original material. Bengt continued to compose and perform music throughout his life. He was a beloved figure in the Swedish music scene and was highly respected by his peers. Bengt passed away on July 2, 2013, at the age of 80. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

More....