Triptych Licks & Brains

Klas Torstensson, a Swedish-Dutch composer born in 1951, has crafted a diverse and evocative body of work that spans aggressive early compositions to the intricate, expansive pieces of his later career. His notable works include the cycle "Lantern Lectures" (1999-2002), which showcases a blend of solo and ensemble playing, and "A Cycle of the North," a triptych that includes his swan-inspired Swedish soundscape. Torstensson's music often pushes boundaries, as seen in his noisy, evocative tribute to Sibelius, "Fastlandet," and his percussion-driven piece "Redskap." Having spent most of his professional life in the Netherlands after studying in Utrecht in the early 1970s, Torstensson's compositions reflect a rich fusion of influences and a relentless pursuit of innovative musical expression.