Niels Viggo Bentzon (1919-2000) was one of the most prolific Danish composers of the twentieth century, with a remarkably extensive oeuvre that spanned a variety of genres, including symphonies, chamber music, ballets, operas, and notably, a large body of piano works. Born into a musical family—his mother was a pianist and his father a composer and pianist—Bentzon demonstrated prodigious talent from an early age. He trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and later honed his skills in Vienna and Berlin, where he absorbed a rich tapestry of musical influences.

Throughout his career, Bentzon remained a figure of relentless creativity and versatility, often navigating between traditional classical music forms and more avant-garde expressions. His acclaimed series, "The Tempered Piano," reflects his deep engagement with the piano as an instrument capable of both nuanced expression and experimental boldness. As a performer and recording artist, he showcased his prowess on the keys with albums like "Niels Viggo Bentzon plays Bentzon, Scriabin a.o.," revealing his virtuosity and interpretative depth. Despite his dedication to modernist idioms, his work was marked by a strong sense of continuity with the classical tradition, evident in the neoclassical undercurrents present in many of his compositions. Bentzon's contribution to Danish and international music remains significant, and his extensive discography, such as "Third Stream Music" and "Bentzon: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2," continues to be a testament to his prolific genius and the breadth of his musical explorations.

Genres

Danish Contemporary Classical

Latest Release

Bentzon: Piano Works

Niels Viggo Bentzon

Album - 18 Tracks - Released February 3, 2023