Conrad Beck

Full biography Conrad Beck

Conrad Arthur Beck was a Swiss composer who was born on June 16 , 1901, in Lohn, Switzerland and passed away on October 31, 1989, in Basel, Switzerland. He was a prominent figure in the Swiss classical music scene and is known for his works in various genres, including orchestral, chamber, and vocal music.

Beck's music is characterized by its creative use of dissonance and rhythmic complexity. He was commissioned by various prominent musicians throughout his career, most notably by cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, who asked him to write a cello composition in 1963.

In addition to composing, Beck also taught at the Basel Music Academy from 1943 to 1968 and served as its director from 1952 to 1967. His notable works include seven symphonies, around twenty concertos and concertante works , and numerous chamber works, songs, and choral pieces.

Beck was recognized with various awards for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Swiss Grand Prix for Music in 1963 and was made an honorary member of the International Society for Contemporary Music in 1977.