Sven-Erik Bäck

Full biography Sven-Erik Bäck

Sven-Erik Bäck (1919-1994) was a notable Swedish composer. He received his musical education from the Stockholm Royal College of Music, where he studied with Hilding Rosenberg and Tor Mann. He later went on to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, where he was introduced to musique concrète, which would have a profound impact on his work.

Bäck's music is characterized by its experimental quality, with elements of aleatory, electronic music, and serialism. He was deeply influenced by the work of Karlheinz Stockhausen, and his use of electronic music was quite innovative for his time. He also explored non-traditional forms of notation, such as graphic scores, which allowed for greater freedom in interpretation by performers.

Bäck's music was often very expressive, with a strong emotional impact. He was particularly interested in exploring the human voice, and wrote a number of choral works that are still performed today. His music has been described as "powerful and haunting," with a unique sound that is both modern and timeless.

Bäck's compositions have been performed by many renowned ensembles and soloists, including the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, and the Arditti Quartet. His music has also been featured in a number of films and television shows.

Today, Bäck is remembered as one of Sweden's most important composers of the 20th century. His innovative approach to composition and his contributions to electronic music continue to influence musicians today.