Hans Abrahamsen, born in 1952, was a leading figure in the 'New Simplicity' stylistic trend in Denmark in the early 1970s.
Compositional Technique
The musicians in "Schnee" are divided into two groups, with strings and one piano on the left, and woodwinds and a second piano on the right, flanking a percussionist.
Compositional Technique
"Schnee" is structured as five pairs of canons, with the duration of each pair gradually shortening from twice nine minutes to twice one minute.
Interpretation
Conductor John Storgårds notes that performing "Schnee" requires extensive preparation, with each musician mastering their part before ensemble rehearsal, due to the music's complexity.
Composition History
The work "Schnee" was inspired by Abrahamsen's study and arrangement of J.S. Bach's short canons, BWV 1072-78.
Composer Biography
Abrahamsen stopped composing for almost a decade after 1990, describing this period as a 'fermata' rather than an interruption.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hans Abrahamsen's music often reflects his feelings for snow, with works like "Winternacht," the opera "The Snow Queen," and "Schnee" exploring various states and colors of snow.
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