Role

:

Composer

 

Dan Senn is a contemporary classical music composer, performer, and instrument builder. He was born on August 22, 1949, in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Senn started playing the clarinet at the age of nine and later learned to play the saxophone, flute, and guitar. Senn attended the University of Washington, where he studied music composition and electronic music. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1972 and his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1975. During his time at the university, Senn was influenced by the works of John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Morton Feldman. After completing his studies, Senn moved to Europe, where he lived and worked for over a decade. He performed as a saxophonist and clarinetist in various jazz and contemporary music ensembles and worked as a sound engineer for the Dutch radio and television network. During this time, Senn also began to experiment with building his own musical instruments, which he called "sound sculptures." Senn's sound sculptures are unique, handcrafted instruments that combine elements of sculpture, engineering, and music. They are made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, and are designed to produce a wide range of sounds and textures. Senn's sound sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and have been used in his own compositions and performances. Senn's compositions are characterized by their experimental and improvisational nature. He often incorporates elements of chance and indeterminacy into his works, allowing the performers to make creative decisions in real-time. Senn's music is also influenced by his interest in the natural world and the sounds of everyday life. He has composed works that incorporate the sounds of birds, water, and other natural phenomena. One of Senn's most notable works is "The Eye of the Storm," a multimedia performance piece that combines live music, video, and sound sculpture. The piece was inspired by Senn's experiences living in the Netherlands, where he witnessed the destructive power of storms and floods. "The Eye of the Storm" premiered in 1995 and has been performed in various venues around the world. Another notable work by Senn is "The Meridian," a composition for solo saxophone and sound sculpture. The piece was inspired by Senn's travels to the Arctic Circle and incorporates the sounds of ice, wind, and water. "The Meridian" has been performed by Senn and other saxophonists in various settings, including concert halls, galleries, and outdoor spaces. Senn's other works include "The Sound Garden," a collection of sound sculptures that can be played by visitors to the Seattle Center; "The Sound of Water," a composition for flute, clarinet, and sound sculpture that incorporates the sounds of water; and "The Sound of Birds," a composition for saxophone, clarinet, and sound sculpture that incorporates the sounds of birds. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Senn has also been active as an educator and arts administrator. He has taught music composition and electronic music at various universities and conservatories, including the University of Washington, the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, and the University of Alaska. He has also served as the director of several arts organizations, including the Seattle Composers Alliance and the Alaska Composers Forum.

More....