Hans Abrahamsen is a renowned Danish composer, whose contributions to contemporary classical music have been celebrated through various accolades and performances worldwide. Born on December 23, 1952, in Copenhagen, Abrahamsen manifested an interest in music early on and pursued formal education at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Under the tutelage of revered figures such as Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen and Per Nørgård, he honed a style that initially grew out of the Nordic simplicity movement known as New Simplicity in the 1960s and 70s. However, his oeuvre evolved over time, embracing a more complex and intricate harmonic language.

Abrahamsen's work is characterized by its meticulous structure and delicate textures, often exploring the interplay between time and silence. Some of his most recent compositions, such as "Let Me Tell You," commissioned for soprano Barbara Hannigan, have received international acclaim, including the prestigious Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition in 2016. His fascination with snow, evident in his notable piece "Schnee," reflects his intricate patterning and crystalline musical imagery. His various chamber works, including the string quartets and pieces for horn, violin, and piano, are likewise testimonies to his profound sensitivity and inventive craftsmanship. Abrahamsen continues to capture the attention of the classical music world with each composition, carving out a unique and mesmerizing soundscape within the modern repertoire.

Genres

21st Century Classical

Avant-garde

Contemporary Classical

Danish Contemporary Classical

Nordic Contemporary Classical

Serialism

Latest Release

Hans Abrahamsen: Left, Alone (Live)

Hans Abrahamsen•

Tamara Stefanovich•

Peter Rundel•

WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln

Album - 18 Tracks - Released April 21, 2023