Mourning for a major composer, 85

Mourning for a major composer, 85

RIP

norman lebrecht

April 11, 2022

The death has been announced of the leading Belgian composer Philippe Boesmans.

Composer in residence at La Monnaie since the 1980s directorship of Gerard Mortier, Boesmans created well-paced classical dramas that were recreated on many European stages.

His breakthrough work was Reigen (1993), based on Arthur Schnitzler’s novella. It was followed by Wintermärchen (1999, on Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale) and Julie (2005) after Miss Julie by August Strindberg.

His final opera, On purge bébé, is scheduled for premiere in Brussels this December.

Comments

  • John Borstlap says:

    The trailer of Julie sounds fascinating, here is more about that opera:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwieEv8545M

    • Hugo Preuß says:

      I saw “Julie” in 2018 in Meiningen. The entire opera was interesting and good to hear. Sad news…

  • rip Ph Boesmans says:

    very sad. He was a great man and his music is really fascinating, too little known for the immense quality of his work. he was very calm and gentle, yet always creative and a true artist.

    • Diane B says:

      The world is loosing a great composer who had a musical technic that arouse feelings from the listener. He had found a solution to make modern music expressive. This is a great achievement and artistry.

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