Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

November 21, 1953 in Reykjavík, Iceland

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Askel Masson is a renowned Icelandic composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 13, 1953, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Masson grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Jónas Sen, was a composer, and his mother, Ragnhildur Árnadóttir, was a pianist. Masson's parents played a significant role in his early musical education, and he began playing the piano at a young age. Masson's musical education continued at the Reykjavik College of Music, where he studied composition with Jón Nordal. He later went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he studied with Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen and Ib Nørholm. Masson's studies in Copenhagen had a significant impact on his musical style, and he began to incorporate elements of minimalism and experimental music into his compositions. Masson's early works were heavily influenced by Icelandic folk music and the natural landscape of Iceland. His first major work, "Fjallabræður" (Mountain Brothers), was written in 1978 and was inspired by the rugged terrain of Iceland's mountains. The piece features a combination of traditional Icelandic instruments, such as the langspil and the fiðla, and modern orchestral instruments. In the 1980s, Masson began to gain international recognition for his compositions. His works were performed at major music festivals, including the ISCM World Music Days and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. In 1986, he was awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize for his composition "Litur" (Colors). Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Masson continued to produce a wide range of compositions, including orchestral works, chamber music, and operas. His works often incorporate elements of Icelandic folklore and mythology, as well as experimental techniques and unconventional instrumentation. One of Masson's most notable works is his opera "The Tempest," which was premiered in 1998. The opera is based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name and features a libretto by the Icelandic poet Sjón. The opera has been performed in Iceland, Denmark, and the United States and has received critical acclaim for its innovative use of music and theater. Another significant work by Masson is his "Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra," which was premiered in 2005. The concerto features a solo double bass accompanied by a large orchestra and incorporates elements of jazz and rock music. The piece has been performed by numerous orchestras around the world and has been praised for its virtuosic solo writing and innovative orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Masson has also been active as a conductor and educator. He has conducted numerous orchestras, including the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. He has also taught composition at the Iceland Academy of the Arts and the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Overall, Askel Masson is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are known for their innovative use of instrumentation and experimental techniques, as well as their incorporation of Icelandic folklore and mythology. Masson's music continues to be performed and celebrated around the world, and he remains an important figure in contemporary classical music.

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