Born: 1961, Brisbane, Australia

"The good thing about Australia… is that we're not burdened by any sort of particular traditional lines, so David Tudor and John Cage were just as important to learn about as Schoenberg and the Viennese school."

Following studies in Australia, Brett Dean traveled to Germany in 1984 and became a violist with the Berlin Philharmonic the following year. He began composing in 1988, initially as an arranger and working in improvisation for radio and film projects in Australia. He became established internationally as a composer in his own right through performances of the ballet One of a Kind (choreographed by Jir?í Kylián for Nederlands Dans Theater) and the clarinet concerto Ariel's Music, which won an award from the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers. Dean's compositions are characterized by clarity and direct expression. Since leaving the Berlin Philharmonic in 2000, he has lived in Australia as a freelance composer.

Further listening:

Komarov's Fall (2005)
Berlin Philharmonic, Simon Rattle (EMI)

3 Caprichos after Goya (2003)
Ruck (MDG)

09/06