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Composer

 

Hans-Jürg Sommer was a Swiss composer who was born on August 22, 1939, in Zurich, Switzerland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a pianist and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Sommer began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with his father. He later studied at the Zurich Conservatory, where he received a diploma in composition in 1962. He continued his studies in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, one of the most influential composition teachers of the 20th century. Sommer's early works were influenced by the serialism of the Second Viennese School, but he later developed his own unique style that blended elements of tonality and atonality. His music is characterized by its complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and use of unconventional instruments. One of Sommer's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered in 1970 by the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra. The symphony is a large-scale work that showcases Sommer's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create complex musical structures. It is divided into four movements, each of which explores different musical themes and ideas. Another important work by Sommer is his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered in 1965 by the Zurich String Quartet. The quartet is a challenging work that requires great technical skill from the performers. It is characterized by its use of unconventional playing techniques, such as col legno and sul ponticello, and its complex rhythmic patterns. Sommer also wrote a number of works for solo instruments, including his Piano Sonata No. 1, which was premiered in 1963 by the pianist Ursula Holliger. The sonata is a virtuosic work that showcases Sommer's ability to create intricate and challenging music for the piano. In addition to his work as a composer, Sommer was also a respected music educator. He taught composition at the Zurich Conservatory from 1965 to 1970 and later served as the director of the Lucerne School of Music from 1980 to 1990. Sommer's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of classical music. He died on December 28, 2015, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and challenging music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.

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