Max Richter

Max Richter, born in Germany and now a British national, is a recognized figure in the realm of postminimalist and contemporary classical music. His proficiency as a composer and pianist has been instrumental in forging his career in stage, opera, ballet, and screen music. Having recorded eight solo albums, Richter's music has found a widespread audience, surpassing one billion streams and one million album sales as of December 2019. His notable works include "Memoryhouse," a profound response to the aftermath of the Kosovo conflict, and "The Blue Notebooks," a protest album on the Iraq war, featuring readings by actress Tilda Swinton. The track "On the Nature of Daylight" from "The Blue Notebooks" has been prominently featured in films and series, underscoring Richter's influence in cinema.

Richter's creative journey has seen him undertake unconventional projects such as "24 Postcards in Full Colour," an album featuring classically composed miniatures for ringtones, and "Sleep," a unique 8.5-hour album designed to be experienced over a full night's sleep. His reimagined version of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," premiered in 2012, topped classical charts in the UK, Germany, and the US, testifying to his ability to recontextualize classical pieces for modern audiences. His work in the film industry has earned him accolades, including the European Film Award for Best Composer for his score to "Waltz with Bashir". His compositions have also been featured in TV shows like HBO's "The Leftovers" and "Black Mirror".

Richter's recent works showcase his desire to blend music with meaningful narratives. His 2020 project "Voices" draws inspiration from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and features a distinctive 'upside down' orchestra, while his music video "Mercy" from the same project won a BAFTA award. His 2021 album "Exiles," recorded with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic under Kristjan Järvi's direction, includes extended versions of his previous works. In 2022, he scored a ballet adaptation of Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy, demonstrating his prowess in interpreting literature through music. With a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for "Ad Astra" and a Golden Globe nomination for "Hamnet," Richter continues to build his legacy in the realm of music and public discourse.