Musician Bryce Dessner asserts that The Beatles did not concern themselves with what was deemed acceptable.
In the world of classical music, Bryce Dessner stands out as a versatile composer who effortlessly blends elements of rock, folk, medieval music, romanticism, and minimalism. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1976, Dessner was raised on an eclectic musical diet, with influences ranging from Miles Davis and The Grateful Dead to The Beatles and Mozart.
Dessner's musical journey began early, as he studied composition and guitar at Yale. His passion for composition was further ignited when he formed a band with his brother Aaron. This marked the beginning of a career that would see him collaborate with a diverse array of artists, including minimalist composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass, rock musicians Jonny Greenwood and Paul Simon, and pop sensation Taylor Swift.
One of Dessner's most notable classical orchestral works is the Symphony, a sonic exploration of romance and self-reflection in London’s musical quarter. Another significant work is the Recorder Concerto, performed by orchestras such as the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Dessner has also collaborated on new works for string quartets with ensembles like the Takács Quartet, and his music can be heard in film soundtracks such as the Oscar-nominated American prison drama Sing Sing.
Dessner's work often reflects his personal life, as seen in his Piano Concerto, written as a "love letter" to his ballet dancer sister Jessica, who has struggled with cancer. The piece features a lyricism and dance rhythms inspired by Jessica's struggles. Alice Sara Ott will perform this piece, described by Dessner as his "most personal work yet", in the first of several programs.
In September, Dessner will begin a year-long residency with the Konzerthaus Berlin, showcasing his orchestral works. This residency follows a series of significant collaborations, including co-writing and producing the orchestral title track for the upcoming Netflix film Train Dreams with artist Nick Cave.
Throughout his career, Dessner has won Grammy awards in both classical and rock categories, making him one of a rare few to achieve this distinction. Despite opportunities for group music-making being limited during his youth, particularly in the conservative Reagan era, Dessner has found his musical home in New York, where he joined The National.
In his work, Dessner does not identify his music as crossover, preferring to emphasize his classical music background rather than any perceived fusion with other genres. His music is characterized by a "physicality" from his folk and rock music and a "harmonic and rhythmic complexity" from his classical compositions. As Dessner continues to push the boundaries of classical music, his contributions to the genre are sure to be felt for years to come.
References:
- Bryce Dessner
- Bryce Dessner - Symphony
- Bryce Dessner - Train Dreams
- Bryce Dessner - Takács Quartet
- Bryce Dessner - Sing Sing
Bryce Dessner is set to collaborate with Nick Cave on the orchestral title track for the upcoming Netflix film Train Dreams, marking a venture into entertainment, blending his classical music background with the contemporary world of movies. His work with Cave adds another layer to his diversified portfolio, showcasing his versatility in the realm of music and entertainment.
During his residency with the Konzerthaus Berlin, Dessner will present various orchestral works, maintaining his strong presence in the classical music business. This residency further affirms his commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music, ensuring his lasting influence on the genre.
