Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Netherlands

Birth

:

November 4, 1944 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Death

:

July 23, 2010 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Willem Breuker was a Dutch composer, saxophonist, and bandleader who was born on November 4, 1944, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was one of the most influential figures in the Dutch jazz and contemporary classical music scene, and his works have been performed and recorded by numerous ensembles and orchestras around the world. Breuker grew up in a musical family, and he started playing the saxophone at a young age. He studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory, where he was trained in classical music and jazz. He was particularly interested in the avant-garde and experimental music of the 1960s, and he began to incorporate these influences into his own compositions. In 1974, Breuker founded the Willem Breuker Kollektief, a large ensemble that combined elements of jazz, classical music, and theater. The group was known for its energetic and theatrical performances, which often included elements of humor and satire. The Kollektief became one of the most important ensembles in the Dutch music scene, and it toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. Breuker's compositions were characterized by their eclectic and experimental nature. He drew inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, classical music, folk music, and popular music. His works often featured complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and unusual instrumentation. One of Breuker's most famous works is the opera "De Materie," which he composed in collaboration with the Dutch composer Louis Andriessen. The opera premiered in 1989 and was a critical and commercial success. It was performed by the Netherlands Opera and later by the New York City Opera. Breuker also composed numerous film scores, including the music for the Dutch film "Abel" (1986) and the French film "La Vie de Bohème" (1992). He was also a prolific performer, and he recorded over 50 albums as a saxophonist and bandleader. Breuker was known for his commitment to promoting new and experimental music. He founded the Amsterdam-based record label BVHaast in 1978, which released recordings by a wide range of avant-garde and experimental musicians. He also founded the Amsterdam Jazz Festival in 1978, which became one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe. Breuker continued to compose and perform until his death on July 23, 2010, at the age of 65. His legacy as a composer, performer, and promoter of new music continues to influence musicians and audiences around the world.

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