Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

1962

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Johannes Schollhorn is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on August 22, 1970, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a conductor and his mother a pianist. Schollhorn started playing the piano at a young age and later studied composition at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt. Schollhorn's early works were influenced by the music of the Second Viennese School, particularly the works of Arnold Schoenberg. However, he soon developed his own unique style, which is characterized by complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and a focus on sound and texture. One of Schollhorn's most notable works is his "Klavierstücke" (Piano Pieces), which he composed between 1995 and 2000. The pieces are characterized by their intricate rhythms and use of extended techniques, such as playing inside the piano. The "Klavierstücke" have been performed by pianists such as Nicolas Hodges and Marino Formenti and have been praised for their originality and technical virtuosity. Another notable work by Schollhorn is his "Streichquartett" (String Quartet), which he composed in 2003. The piece is characterized by its use of microtonality and unconventional playing techniques, such as playing behind the bridge and using mutes. The "Streichquartett" has been performed by ensembles such as the Arditti Quartet and the Minguet Quartet and has been praised for its innovative approach to the string quartet genre. In addition to his instrumental works, Schollhorn has also composed several vocal works, including his "Liederzyklus" (Song Cycle), which he composed in 2006. The cycle consists of six songs for soprano and piano and is characterized by its use of extended vocal techniques, such as whispering and speaking. The "Liederzyklus" has been performed by sopranos such as Sarah Maria Sun and has been praised for its originality and expressive power. Schollhorn's music has been performed by ensembles and orchestras around the world, including the Ensemble Modern, the Klangforum Wien, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has also been the recipient of several awards and honors, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation Prize in 2012. In addition to his work as a composer, Schollhorn is also a professor of composition at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. He has taught at several other institutions, including the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt and the University of California, San Diego. Overall, Johannes Schollhorn is a composer who has made significant contributions to the contemporary classical music world. His innovative approach to composition, which combines complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and a focus on sound and texture, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

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