Sunleif Rasmussen (born March 19, 1961 in
Sandur in the
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands ( ), or simply the Faroes ( fo, Føroyar ; da, Færøerne ), are a North Atlantic island group and an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
They are located north-northwest of Scotland, and about halfway bet ...
) is the foremost
Faroese composer of classical music.
Biography
Rasmussen studied in
Norway
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic countries, Nordic country in Northern Europe, the mainland territory of which comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The remote Arctic island of ...
, then returned to
Tórshavn
Tórshavn (; lit. " Thor's harbour"), usually locally referred to as simply ''Havn'', is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands. It is located in the southern part on the east coast of Streymoy. To the northwest of the city lies the ...
in the Faroes as a music teacher and
jazz
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a m ...
pianist. From 1990 to 1995 he studied musical composition at the
Royal Danish Academy of Music
The Royal Danish Academy of Music, or Royal Danish Conservatory of Music ( da, Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium), in Copenhagen is the oldest professional institution of musical education in Denmark as well as the largest, with approxima ...
in
Copenhagen
Copenhagen ( or .; da, København ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a proper population of around 815.000 in the last quarter of 2022; and some 1.370,000 in the urban area; and the wider Copenhagen metropolitan a ...
under
Ib Nørholm and electronic music under
Ivar Frounberg. In 1992 he received grants from the Leonie Sonning Foundation and the Danish Composer's Society.
He also became familiar with
spectral music
Spectral music uses the acoustic properties of sound – or sound spectra – as a basis for composition.
Definition
Defined in technical language, spectral music is an acoustic musical practice where compositional decisions are often informe ...
, which has its roots at the
IRCAM
IRCAM (French: ''Ircam, '', English: Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music) is a French institute dedicated to the research of music and sound, especially in the fields of avant garde and electro-acoustical art music. It is ...
in
Paris
Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. Si ...
, and the work of composers such as
Tristan Murail
Tristan Murail (born 11 March 1947) is a French composer associated with the "spectral" technique of composition. Among his compositions is the large orchestral work ''Gondwana''.
Early life and studies
Murail was born in Le Havre, France. His fa ...
. Rasmussen has produced a number of works combining electronic and acoustic instruments, some produced in co-operation with DIEM (the Danish Institute for Electro-Acoustic Music).
In 1997, he was awarded a three-year grant from the Danish State Arts Foundation.
In 2002, he won the
Nordic Council Music Prize
The Nordic Council Music Prize is awarded annually by NOMUS, the Nordic Music Committee. Every two years it is awarded for a work by a living composer. In the intervening years it is awarded to a performing musician or ensemble.
The Nordic ...
for his Symphony no. 1 - "Oceanic Days", which, in the NOMUS committee description: ''"derives its inspiration from Faroese nature and from age-old
Faroese hymns, from which Rasmussen has created a work of comprehensive dimensions. It radiates a natural artistic integrity, combining tightness and structure with lyric feeling." ''
In 2004, he was visiting composer at the prestigious
Korsholm
Korsholm (; fi, Mustasaari) is a municipality of Finland. The town of Vaasa was founded in Korsholm parish in 1606 and today the municipality completely surrounds the city. It is a coastal, mostly rural municipality, consisting of a rural landscap ...
Festival in
Finland
Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bot ...
, while in 2010, he received the
Faroese Cultural Prize from the Faroese Department of Culture. In 2013, he participated in the residency and concert series
Other Minds in San Francisco.
Music
Rasmussen’s music always has a natural complexity, combining his jazz background with a rich tradition of Faroese folk music and
electroacoustic and
spectral music
Spectral music uses the acoustic properties of sound – or sound spectra – as a basis for composition.
Definition
Defined in technical language, spectral music is an acoustic musical practice where compositional decisions are often informe ...
. He transforms folk music themes using spectral and
serial techniques, using
intervals in the original melody to generate rhythmic segments and harmonic overtone spectra to determine the melodic and timbral material; the result is an abstraction from Faroese traditional music, even though none of the original melodies can be discerned in the finished composition. He also draws much inspiration from the Faroese author and artist
William Heinesen
Andreas William Heinesen (15 January 1900 – 12 March 1991) was a poet, novel writer, short story writer, children's book writer, composer and painter from the Faroe Islands.
His writing
The Faroese capital Tórshavn is always the centre of H ...
(1900-1991), using both the text and the mood of Heinesen's poetry in his music.
The result is highly evocative, beautiful, and not difficult to listen to. The power and complexity of his music often reflects nature, shimmering with energy and movement.
Works
His works include:
Orchestral works:
* 1990: ''Grave - In memoriam
Karsten Hoydal
Karsten or Carsten is a both a given name and a surname. It is believed to be either derived from a Low German form of Christian, or "man from karst". Notable persons with the name include:
Given name
;Carsten:
* Carsten Charles Sabathia (born ...
'' for string orchestra + percussion (11 or 22 strings: 3.3.2.2.1) (09'00)
* 1995: ''Vox Humana, the song of the sea - for orchestra and tape'' for 3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/timpani/2 percussion/harp/strings (22'00)
* 1995-97: ''Symphony no. 1 - "Oceanic Days"'' for 4.4.4.4/4.4.4.1/4 percussion/2 synth/strings (min. 12.12.10.8.6) (40'00)
* 2003: ''De grædendes nat'' for children's choir (including 3 soloists) + 3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/2 percussion/harp/strings (15'00)
* 2004: ''Movings and Melodies'' for 2.2.2.2/2.2.1.0/timpani/percussion/5.5.3.3.2 (17'00)
* 2008: ''Prelude to an Orchestra'' for 3(piccolo).3(cor anglais).3.3(contrabassoon)/4.3.3.1/timpani/2 percussion/strings (30'00)
* 2013: ''Veitsla'' for 2.2.2.2/4.3.3.1/timpani/3 percussion/strings (12'00)
* 2015: ''Symphony no. 2 - "The Earth Anew"'' for soprano, baritone, choir, 3.3.2+bass clarinet, 2+contrabassoon/4331/timpani, 3 percussions/piano/strings (1 hour)
Solo instrument and orchestra/ensemble
* 1992-93: ''Landid'' for soprano solo + 3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/timpani/2 percussion/harp/piano/strings (15'00)
* 1996: ''Tilegnelse'' for mezzo-soprano solo + 1.0.1.1/0.1.0.0/2 percussion/harp/guitar/0.0.1.0.1 (10'00)
* 2000: ''Rejsen'' for soprano, tenor, bass soli, mixed choir + 3.3.3.3/2.3.3.1/timpani/percussion/piano/strings (30'00)
* 2001: ''Dem Licht entgegen'' for saxophone solo + 3.3.3.3/4.3.2.1/timp/2 percussion/piano/strings (18'30)
* 2004: ''Songs of Seasons'' for violin solo + string orchestra (10.0.4.3.2) (22'00)
* 2009: ''Territorial Songs'' for recorder solo + 3.2.2.2./2.2.2.0/2 percussion/harp/strings 23'00
* 2014: ''Winter Echoes'' for recorder solo and 7 violins, 3 violas, 2 cellos and double bass (11'00)
Large chamber ensemble
* 1999: ''Trauer und Freude'' for 1.0.1.1/1.0.0.0/piano (+cemb)/guitar/1.1.1.1.0 (21'00)
* 2000: ''Surrounded'' for 1.1.1.1/1.1.1.0/percussion/piano/1.1.1.1.1 (13'00)
* 2009: ''Fanfare lontane'' for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, 2 trumpets and trombone (15'00)
Chamber works
* 1989: ''Fantasi yvir Tívilsdøtur'' for clarinet and horn (04'00)
* 1989-90: ''Strygekvartet nr. 1'' for string quartet (10'00)
* 1990: ''Vetrarmyndir'' for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, and piano (09'00)
* 1991: ''Tid, ild, baglæns (Time, fire, backwards)'' for twelve singers and tape (16'30)
* 1995: ''Cantus Borealis'' for wind quintet (13'00)
* 1995: ''Dancing Raindrops'' for clarinet, piano, and violin (12'00)
* 1998: ''Pictures from the sea’s garden'' for saxophone and percussion (15'00)
* 1999: ''Mozaik/Miniature'' for flute, clarinet, piano, and violin (07'00)
* 2000: ''Sunshine and Shadows'' for string quartet (13'00)
* 2002: ''Nordisk Fanfare'' for 2 horns, 2 trumpets, trombone, and tuba (04'00)
* 2002: ''Engführung'' for chamber choir, piano and cello (20'00)
* 2003: ''Four Gardens'' for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, piano, violin, viola, and cello (15'00)
* 2008: ''Partita'' for clarinet, piano, violin, and cello (12'00)
* 2010: ''Three Dances'' for 4 saxophones (10'00)
* 2011: ''Andalag No. 1'' for flute and clarinet (4'00)
* 2011: ''Andalag No. 2'' for 2 flutes (4'00)
* 2011: ''Andalag No. 3'' for clarinet and horn (4'00)
* 2011: ''Andalag No. 11'' for alto flute and bassoon (4'00)
* 2011: ''Motion/Emotion'' for flute, clarinet, oboe, horn, and bassoon (15'00)
* 2012: ''Flow'' for recorder, violin, viola, and cello (20'00)
* 2012: ''Krevgals go Aprah'' harp and percussion (14'00)
* 2012: ''Andalag No. 4'' for 2 bassoons (4'00)
* 2012: ''Andalag No. 5'' for alto flute, clarinet, bassoon, and horn (8'00)
* 2013: ''Andalag No. 7'' for piccolo, E-flat clarinet, horn, and bassoon (8'00)
* 2013: ''Autumn'' for guitar, piano, accordion, violin, and double-bass (9'00)
Solo instrument
* 1992: ''Echoes of the Past'' for violin solo (12'00)
* 1993: ''A light is lit'' for organ solo and tape (10'00)
* 1993: ''Like the golden sun'' for piano solo and effect processor (12'00)
* 1997: ''Chaindance with Shadows'' for amplified piano solo (12'00)
* 2001: ''Le psaume salé'' for saxophone solo + tape + live-electronics (10'00)
* 2007: ''Suite'' for guitar solo and effect processor (15'00)
* 2011: ''Vogelstimmung'' for solo recorder (17'00)
Vocal works
* 1982-89, revised 1992: ''5 færøske korsange (5 Faroese choir songs)'' for chamber choir or large mixed choir (11'30)
* 1983, revised 1993: ''Vár'' for Soprano, baritone soli + chamber choir, (SATB), fl, cl (09'20)
* 1995: ''Psalmus 8'' for soloists, choir and organ (08'00)
* 1996: ''Creatio caeli et terrae. Dies unus'' for triple choir (SATB+SATB+SATB) (09'00)
* 1999: ''Arktis'' for mezzo-soprano solo + clarinet, percussion, harp, and cello (08'00)
* 1996: ''Creatio caeli et terrae'' for 2 violins and choir (SATB) (12'00), commissioned by
RIAS Kammerchor
The RIAS Kammerchor (RIAS Chamber Choir) is a German choir based in Berlin, Germany. It receives support from the Rundfunk Orchester und Chöre GmbH Berlin ("Berlin Radio Orchestra and Choirs"), a limited-liability company owned by the public br ...
and
Duo Gelland
Duo Gelland is a Swedish-German violin duo on the international classical scene. The members are Cecilia and Martin Gelland. The duo was founded in 1994.
Life
Their early recordings of Cantus gemellus by Dieter Acker and the fiercely demanding o ...
* 2009: ''Gylfaginning'' for chamber choir SATB with amplification (30'00)
* 2011: ''I'' for alto and tenor soloists, chorus (SATB) and recorder (10'00)
* 2011: ''Jordpigernes Drøm'' for 3 soprano, 3 mezzo-soprano, 3 alto (percussion), and SA chorus (percussion) (15'00)
* 2014: ''Nordisk Messe'' for SSATBB chorus + 3(alto flute,piccolo).3(cor anglais).3(bass clarinet).2/4.3.3.1/timpani/2 percussion/strings (35'00)
Recordings
Recordings of Rasmussen's music include:
* ''Rasmussen - Symphony No 1; Saxophone Concerto'',
Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Hannu Lintu (Conductor), Jeanette Balland (saxophone) - Da Capo, May 2005
* ''Sunleif Rasmussen - Surrounded: Arktis (The Arctic), Mozaik / Miniature, Tilegnelse (Dedication), Trauer und Freude'', Helene Gjerris (mezzo-soprano), Caput Ensemble, Guthmundur Oli Gunnarsson, Guthni Franzson -
BIS Records
BIS Records is a record label founded in 1973 by Robert von Bahr. It is located in Åkersberga, Sweden.
BIS focuses on classical music, both contemporary and early, especially works that are not already well represented by existing recordings.
...
* ''Cantus borealis: Wind Music from Faroe Islands'' includes ''Rasmussen: Cantus Borealis for wind quintet'', Reykjavík Wind Quintet -
BIS Records
BIS Records is a record label founded in 1973 by Robert von Bahr. It is located in Åkersberga, Sweden.
BIS focuses on classical music, both contemporary and early, especially works that are not already well represented by existing recordings.
...
* ''Landid for Soprano And Symphony Orchestra, Gerandisdagur I Havn For Soprano And String Orchestra, Grave In Memoriam Karsten Hoydal For String Orchestra, Clarinet And Percussion, Klarinettkonsert Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra'' -
The Orchard, May 2000
* ''Skærur Vindur'' includes ''Sig mær, hví er foldin føgur, Kvøldvísa um summarmála, Syngjandi grót, Sóljurnar og náttin, Blátt, Fyrsti sálmur Dávids, Vár, Skærur vindur'' and ''Tid, Ild, Baglæns'' -
The Orchard, April 2000
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Rasmussen, Sunleif
20th-century classical composers
21st-century classical composers
1961 births
Living people
Royal Danish Academy of Music alumni
Faroese composers
Male classical composers
20th-century Danish male musicians
21st-century male musicians