Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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December 30, 1943

 

Rolf Gehlhaar is a German-born composer, performer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Born in Berlin in 1943, Gehlhaar grew up in a family of musicians and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied composition and electronic music at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin and the University of California, San Diego. Gehlhaar's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde movements of the 1960s and 70s, particularly the Fluxus movement and the work of John Cage. He was also interested in the possibilities of electronic music and began experimenting with tape loops and other electronic techniques in his compositions. One of Gehlhaar's most significant early works is "Music for 4 Pianos and Tape" (1968), which features four pianos playing a series of repetitive patterns while a tape of electronic sounds plays in the background. The piece is notable for its use of minimalism and repetition, as well as its incorporation of electronic elements. In the 1970s, Gehlhaar became increasingly interested in live performance and began incorporating improvisation and audience participation into his works. He also began collaborating with other artists, including dancers, visual artists, and poets. One of Gehlhaar's most famous works from this period is "Music for 12 Musicians and Audience" (1972), which features 12 musicians playing a series of repetitive patterns while the audience is invited to participate by making their own sounds and movements. The piece is notable for its use of audience participation and its exploration of the relationship between performer and audience. In the 1980s, Gehlhaar began incorporating more technology into his works, including computer-generated sounds and video projections. He also began exploring the possibilities of interactive performance, creating works that allowed performers and audience members to interact with each other and with the technology. One of Gehlhaar's most significant works from this period is "Interactive Music for 4 Players and Computer" (1986), which features four musicians playing a series of patterns while a computer generates additional sounds and visuals in response to their performance. The piece is notable for its use of interactive technology and its exploration of the relationship between human performers and computer-generated elements. In addition to his work as a composer, Gehlhaar has also been active as a performer and educator. He has performed extensively as a pianist and electronic musician, and has taught at a number of institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, and the Royal College of Music in London. Gehlhaar's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship, and the Prix Ars Electronica. His compositions have been performed by leading ensembles and orchestras around the world, and his influence on the field of contemporary classical music continues to be felt today.

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