Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1957

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Karin Rehnqvist is a Swedish composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 21, 1957, in Stockholm, Sweden, Rehnqvist grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and her mother was a singer, which exposed her to music from an early age. Rehnqvist began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the guitar and the accordion. Rehnqvist studied music at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where she received a degree in composition in 1981. She continued her studies at the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a master's degree in composition in 1984. During her time in California, Rehnqvist was exposed to a variety of musical styles, including jazz and experimental music, which influenced her own compositions. Rehnqvist's music is characterized by its use of traditional Swedish folk music and its incorporation of non-traditional instruments and vocal techniques. Her compositions often feature the use of the human voice, which she uses to create unique and complex harmonies. Rehnqvist's music is also known for its use of repetition and its exploration of the relationship between sound and silence. One of Rehnqvist's most well-known works is "Puksånger" (Kettle Songs), which was composed in 1988. The piece is scored for six percussionists and features the use of traditional Swedish kettles and pots as instruments. The percussionists play the kettles and pots in a variety of ways, including hitting them with sticks and rubbing them with their hands. The resulting sound is a complex and rhythmic cacophony that is both mesmerizing and haunting. Another notable work by Rehnqvist is "All Those Strings!" which was composed in 1993. The piece is scored for string orchestra and features the use of extended techniques, such as glissandi and harmonics. The piece is also notable for its use of repetition, which creates a hypnotic and meditative effect. Rehnqvist's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. She has also received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Swedish Society of Composers' Christ Johnson Prize in 1991 and the Nordic Council Music Prize in 1998. In addition to her work as a composer, Rehnqvist is also a professor of composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. She has mentored numerous young composers and has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in the field of classical music. Overall, Karin Rehnqvist is a highly respected and influential composer whose work has pushed the boundaries of traditional classical music. Her use of traditional Swedish folk music and her incorporation of non-traditional instruments and vocal techniques have made her a unique and important voice in the world of contemporary classical music.

More....