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Composer

 

Roman Haas was a classical music composer born on May 12, 1952, in Vienna, Austria. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Haas showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the violin and the cello. Haas studied music at the Vienna Music Academy, where he was trained in composition, conducting, and music theory. He also studied with renowned composers such as György Ligeti and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Haas was deeply influenced by the avant-garde music of the 20th century, and his compositions reflect this influence. Haas's early works were experimental and often used unconventional techniques, such as extended techniques on instruments and electronic manipulation of sound. His first major work, "In Vain," was composed in 2000 and premiered in 2003. The piece is a large-scale orchestral work that explores the themes of violence and oppression. It features a wide range of sounds, from delicate whispers to thunderous explosions, and has been praised for its innovative use of orchestration. Haas's later works continued to explore new sounds and techniques. His 2011 work "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" features a solo violin part that is played entirely in harmonics, creating a haunting and ethereal sound. His 2013 work "Limited Approximations" is a chamber piece that uses microtonal tuning and unconventional playing techniques to create a complex and intricate sound world. Haas's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has won numerous awards for his compositions, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2018. Haas was also a respected teacher of composition, and he taught at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna from 1989 until his death in 2018. He was known for his dedication to his students and his willingness to help them find their own unique voices as composers. In addition to his work as a composer and teacher, Haas was also a passionate advocate for contemporary music. He served as the artistic director of the Klangforum Wien, a contemporary music ensemble based in Vienna, from 1998 until his death. He was also a member of the International Society for Contemporary Music and served as its president from 2010 to 2013. Haas's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music are significant and far-reaching. His innovative use of sound and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional composition have inspired countless composers and performers. His legacy as a composer, teacher, and advocate for contemporary music will continue to be felt for many years to come.

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