Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Michael Jarrell is a Swiss composer who was born on October 8, 1958, in Geneva, Switzerland. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Jarrell began studying music at a young age, starting with the piano and later adding the flute and composition to his repertoire. Jarrell's early musical education was heavily influenced by the avant-garde movement of the 1960s and 70s. He was particularly drawn to the works of composers such as Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen, who were known for their experimental and innovative approaches to music. Jarrell's own compositions reflect this influence, with a focus on complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and the use of electronic and computer-generated sounds. In 1976, Jarrell began studying composition at the Geneva Conservatory, where he was mentored by composer Eric Gaudibert. He later continued his studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, where he studied with Klaus Huber and Brian Ferneyhough. During this time, Jarrell also worked as a freelance composer, writing music for various ensembles and orchestras. Jarrell's breakthrough as a composer came in 1981, when he won the Prix de Rome, a prestigious award for young composers. This recognition helped to establish him as a rising star in the classical music world, and he soon began receiving commissions from major orchestras and ensembles. One of Jarrell's most notable works is his 1991 composition "Assonance IV," which was commissioned by the Ensemble InterContemporain. The piece is known for its intricate rhythms and use of extended techniques, such as multiphonics and microtonal intervals. It has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and is considered a landmark work in the contemporary classical music repertoire. Another significant work by Jarrell is his 2006 opera "Cassandra," which was commissioned by the Opéra de Paris. The opera is based on the Greek myth of Cassandra, a prophetess who is cursed to never be believed. Jarrell's score for the opera is characterized by its use of electronic and computer-generated sounds, as well as its incorporation of ancient Greek musical modes. In addition to his work as a composer, Jarrell has also been active as a teacher and mentor to young musicians. He has taught composition at the Geneva Conservatory and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, and has served as a guest lecturer at numerous universities and conservatories around the world. Overall, Michael Jarrell is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of contemporary classical music. His innovative and experimental approach to composition has helped to push the boundaries of the genre and inspire a new generation of composers.

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