Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1946

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Balz Trümpy was a Swiss composer born on August 22, 1949, in the town of St. Gallen. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a conductor and his mother a pianist. Trümpy's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Trümpy began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano and music theory with his mother. He later studied composition with Hans Ulrich Lehmann at the Zurich Conservatory and with Klaus Huber at the Basel Academy of Music. Trümpy also studied conducting with Franco Ferrara in Siena, Italy. Trümpy's early works were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the works of Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Boulez. His compositions often featured complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and extended techniques for instruments. Trümpy's breakthrough work was his 1975 composition "Klangfelder," which was premiered at the Donaueschingen Festival. The piece was a collage of sounds and textures, featuring a large ensemble of instruments and electronic sounds. "Klangfelder" was praised for its innovative use of sound and its exploration of new musical territories. Trümpy continued to explore new musical territories in his subsequent works. His 1980 composition "Lichtbogen" was a concerto for cello and orchestra that featured extended techniques for the cello, including playing behind the bridge and using a glass slide. The piece was praised for its virtuosic cello writing and its innovative use of orchestral textures. Trümpy's 1985 composition "Zeitfluss" was a chamber work for six instruments that explored the concept of time. The piece featured complex rhythms and intricate counterpoint, and was praised for its intellectual depth and musical complexity. Trümpy's later works continued to explore new musical territories, but also showed a greater interest in tonality and traditional forms. His 1995 composition "Konzert für Violine und Orchester" was a traditional concerto that featured a virtuosic violin soloist and a lush orchestral accompaniment. The piece was praised for its emotional depth and its beautiful melodies. Trümpy's final composition was his 2015 work "Lichtung," which was premiered at the Lucerne Festival. The piece was a meditation on the concept of light, featuring a large orchestra and a choir. "Lichtung" was praised for its spiritual depth and its beautiful orchestration. Trümpy was also a respected conductor, and led many performances of his own works as well as the works of other composers. He was the conductor of the Basel Chamber Orchestra from 1985 to 1991, and the principal conductor of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra from 1991 to 1996. Trümpy was a highly respected figure in the Swiss music scene, and his works were performed by many of the country's leading ensembles. He was awarded the Swiss Music Prize in 2012 in recognition of his contributions to Swiss music. Trümpy died on December 28, 2017, at the age of 68. His legacy as a composer and conductor continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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