Steen Pade

Full biography Steen Pade

Steen Pade was a Danish composer and accordionist born on December 20, 1936, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was one of the leading figures in Danish contemporary music and made significant contributions to the development of new music in Denmark.

Pade studied musicology at the University of Copenhagen before continuing his education in Paris, where he studied with Olivier Messiaen and Nadia Boulanger. He also studied accordion with Mogens Ellegaard, who was one of the most prominent accordionists and composers of his time.

Pade's compositions are characterized by their use of extended techniques and unconventional instrumentation. He wrote works for a wide variety of ensembles, including chamber groups, symphony orchestras, and accordion ensembles. The accordion was an instrument that Pade held a special affinity for, and he wrote a number of works that featured the instrument prominently.

In addition to his work as a composer, Pade was also an influential teacher and mentor. He taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he helped to shape the musical education of many Danish composers. He was also a co-founder of the Danish Composers' Society.

Pade collaborated with many prominent composers and performers throughout his career, including Morton Feldman, Colin Matthews, and the Kronos Quartet. He was a frequent judge of international music competitions, including the Masterprize International Composition Competition.

Steen Pade died on January 26, 2004, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking compositions and a significant impact on the development of contemporary music in Denmark.