Births on January 19

Boris Blacher, German composer and playwright (d. 1975)

Boris Blacher (born 19 January [O.S. 6 January] 1903 in Newchwang, China – died 30 January 1975 in Berlin, Germany) was a profoundly influential German composer and a notable librettist. Renowned for his innovative contributions to 20th-century classical music, Blacher's diverse output and pioneering pedagogical methods left a lasting legacy on the musical landscape of his era and beyond.

Born in a unique international setting, Blacher's early life saw him move across various countries, including China, Siberia, and Switzerland, before his family, with a Baltic German father and a Swedish mother, finally settled in Germany in 1922. This nomadic upbringing provided him with a broad cultural perspective that subtly influenced his later artistic endeavors. His formal musical education began in Berlin, where he studied composition and established himself within the burgeoning modern music scene.

A Pioneer of Modern Composition

As a composer, Boris Blacher is particularly celebrated for his embrace of experimental techniques and his significant contributions to serialism and dodecaphony, though he never strictly adhered to any single school of thought. He developed his own distinct system, famously known as "variable meter," or "variable metre" (German: variable Metren), a rhythmic technique that involved changing time signatures frequently and systematically within a piece. This approach allowed for an unprecedented fluidity and unpredictability in rhythm, breaking away from traditional metrical rigidity and lending his compositions a unique, dynamic quality.

Beyond variable meter, Blacher also explored twelve-tone techniques, often integrating them with his own melodic and rhythmic innovations rather than the rigid structures of the Second Viennese School. His music is characterized by its clarity, economy of means, and a sometimes ironic or detached emotional tone, reflecting the complexities of the mid-20th century. He composed across various genres, including operas, ballets, orchestral works, chamber music, and concertos.

Key Works and Contributions as a Librettist

Among Blacher's significant works are his operas, many of which he also penned the libretti for. This dual role allowed him complete artistic control over his dramatic works. His most acclaimed operas include Romeo und Julia (1943), a poignant reimagining of Shakespeare's tragedy, and Abstrakte Oper Nr. 1 (1953), which exemplifies his experimental spirit through its non-narrative, abstract approach to operatic form. Other notable compositions include the ballet Lysistrata (1950), and various orchestral pieces like the Orchester-Ornament (1953).

His capacity to craft compelling narratives and conceptual frameworks for his musical compositions as a librettist underscored his comprehensive artistic vision. This self-sufficiency in creating both text and music was a hallmark of his creative process, enabling a seamless integration of dramatic and sonic elements.

A Respected Educator and Mentor

Blacher's influence extended far beyond his compositions; he was also a highly respected and sought-after educator. From 1953 until his death, he served as the Director of the Hochschule für Musik Berlin (now Universität der Künste Berlin), a prestigious position from which he profoundly shaped a generation of composers. His students included influential figures such as Aribert Reimann, Isang Yun, and Francis Burt, among many others. His teaching emphasized intellectual rigor, creative freedom, and a deep understanding of musical structures, fostering an environment where innovation thrived.

Enduring Legacy and Impact

Boris Blacher's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a pioneering composer who expanded the boundaries of rhythmic and harmonic language, particularly through his "variable meter" technique. His role as a teacher and academic leader cemented his place as a central figure in post-war German music, influencing countless musicians and guiding the direction of contemporary composition. His works continue to be performed and studied, offering insight into the evolving soundscapes of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boris Blacher

Who was Boris Blacher?

Boris Blacher was a prominent German composer and librettist of the 20th century, known for his innovative musical techniques, particularly "variable meter," and his significant contributions to modern classical music. He also served as the director of the Hochschule für Musik Berlin.

What is Boris Blacher best known for?

Blacher is perhaps best known for developing the "variable meter" technique, a unique rhythmic system involving systematic changes in time signatures. He also gained recognition for his twelve-tone compositions, operas like Romeo und Julia, and his role as an influential music educator.

What was Boris Blacher's nationality?

Despite being born in China, Boris Blacher was a German composer. His family settled in Germany, where he received his musical education and built his career, becoming a central figure in German music.

What is "variable meter" in music?

"Variable meter," or "variable metre" (German: variable Metren), is a compositional technique pioneered by Boris Blacher where time signatures are frequently and systematically altered within a piece. This creates a highly fluid and unpredictable rhythmic pulse, moving beyond traditional fixed metrical patterns.

Did Boris Blacher write his own opera libretti?

Yes, Boris Blacher often wrote the libretti for his own operas. This enabled him to maintain complete artistic control over the dramatic and musical elements of his works, allowing for a seamless integration of text and score.