Our regular listen to and look at living, breathing composers and performers that you may not know yet, but I know you should… And can, right here and now, since they’re nice enough to offer so much good listening online:
Claus Gahrn (b. 1978 — Denmark); Gahrn Ensemble
Claus is another composer I ran into on Myspace, and we’ve been corresponding for a few months now. Gahrn began his musical studies as a classical guitarist; from 2001 he studied composition and electroacoustic music at the Academy of Music in Esbjerg, Denmark, earning his MA degree with distinction in 2006. That’s Claus on the right in the photo, with his own young ensemble (including his pianist wife Malwina). There are links above that will take you both to Claus’ personal site, as well as that of the ensemble itself. Under “Media” at either, you’ll find excellent MP3 recordings and performances of Gahrn’s often-introspective yet just-as-often-edgy work.
The ensemble (Christina Dahl, voice; Malwina Gahrn, piano; Claus Gahrn, guitar and electronics; Michael Bjærre, percussion; Thomas Bregenborg, cello; Nina Hebib, flute and Julie Christensen, clarinet) formed in 2000, and since has premiered more than 20 new pieces and played concerts around Denmark, Poland and Norway.
A fine choice here. I’ve also had the pleasure of discovering Claus Gahrn’s music on MySpace. He has created some very fine works–moody, colorful and detailed. You won’t regret clicking.
Best
jr