Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1975 in Mexico

 

José Luis Hurtado is a contemporary classical music composer born in Mexico City in 1975. He began his musical studies at a young age, studying piano and composition at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. He later continued his studies in composition at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his Ph.D. in 2007. Hurtado's music is characterized by its exploration of sound and its relationship to space and time. He often uses unconventional techniques and instruments, such as prepared piano, found objects, and electronics, to create unique and innovative sounds. His compositions are also influenced by his interest in mathematics, physics, and philosophy. One of Hurtado's early works, "Tres Piezas para Piano" (Three Pieces for Piano), was composed in 1997 and showcases his early exploration of sound and space. The piece features unconventional techniques such as plucking the strings inside the piano and using the pedal to create a sustained sound. The work was well-received and helped establish Hurtado as a promising young composer. In 2001, Hurtado composed "Cinco Piezas para Cuarteto de Cuerdas" (Five Pieces for String Quartet), which was premiered by the Arditti Quartet. The work features complex rhythms and unconventional techniques, such as using the bow to create a percussive sound on the strings. The piece was praised for its innovative use of sound and its exploration of the possibilities of the string quartet. Hurtado's interest in electronics and technology is evident in his 2004 work "Cinco Piezas para Piano y Electrónica" (Five Pieces for Piano and Electronics). The piece features a prepared piano and electronic sounds that are manipulated in real-time by the performer. The work was praised for its use of technology to create a unique and immersive sound world. In 2008, Hurtado composed "Cinco Piezas para Orquesta" (Five Pieces for Orchestra), which was premiered by the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. The work features complex rhythms and unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of a prepared piano and a toy piano. The piece was praised for its innovative use of sound and its exploration of the possibilities of the orchestra. Hurtado's interest in mathematics and philosophy is evident in his 2011 work "Cinco Piezas para Piano y Matemáticas" (Five Pieces for Piano and Mathematics). The piece features complex rhythms and mathematical patterns that are used to create a unique and intricate sound world. The work was praised for its intellectual depth and its exploration of the relationship between music and mathematics. In 2014, Hurtado composed "Cinco Piezas para Guitarra" (Five Pieces for Guitar), which was premiered by the guitarist Pablo Gómez. The work features unconventional techniques, such as using the guitar as a percussion instrument and using the strings to create a buzzing sound. The piece was praised for its innovative use of the guitar and its exploration of the possibilities of the instrument. Hurtado's most recent work, "Cinco Piezas para Ensemble" (Five Pieces for Ensemble), was composed in 2018 and premiered by the ensemble Liminar. The work features unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of a toy piano and a melodica, and explores the possibilities of sound and space. The piece was praised for its innovative use of instrumentation and its exploration of the relationship between sound and space.

More....