Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1944

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Thüring Bräm was a Swiss composer and conductor who was born on August 11, 1944, in Basel, Switzerland. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a conductor and his mother a pianist. Bräm began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with his mother. He later went on to study at the Basel Conservatory, where he received a diploma in piano performance and a teaching certificate in music theory. After completing his studies, Bräm began his career as a pianist and conductor, performing with various orchestras in Switzerland and abroad. He also began to compose his own music, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical styles and traditions. His early works were characterized by a strong sense of rhythm and a playful, whimsical quality. In the 1970s, Bräm began to gain recognition as a composer, with performances of his works taking place in Switzerland and other European countries. His music was praised for its originality and its ability to blend different musical styles and influences. In 1976, he was awarded the Swiss Music Prize for his contributions to contemporary music. Throughout his career, Bräm composed music for a wide range of ensembles and instruments, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performers. His works often featured unconventional instrumentation and experimental techniques, such as the use of extended techniques on traditional instruments. One of Bräm's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 1980. The piece is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and unconventional harmonies, as well as its incorporation of elements from jazz and rock music. The symphony was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it remains one of Bräm's most popular works. Another notable work by Bräm is his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, which was composed in 1990. The piece features a virtuosic piano part and a lush orchestral accompaniment, and it showcases Bräm's ability to blend different musical styles and traditions. The concerto has been performed by numerous pianists and orchestras around the world, and it is considered one of Bräm's most important works. In addition to his work as a composer, Bräm was also a respected conductor and educator. He served as the conductor of the Basel Chamber Orchestra from 1984 to 1991, and he was a professor of composition at the Basel Conservatory from 1991 until his retirement in 2009. He also served as a guest conductor and lecturer at numerous institutions around the world. Bräm's contributions to contemporary music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Swiss Music Prize, he was awarded the Prix de Lausanne in 1982 and the Prix de la Fondation Vaudoise en Faveur de la Creation Musicale in 1995. He was also a member of the Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences. Thüring Bräm passed away on December 9, 2019, at the age of 75. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential music, as well as a generation of students and colleagues who were inspired by his creativity and passion for music.

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