Peter Bjuhr Composer
5 Pieces for Violin and Cello
2023 November 09
Writing a contemporary piece of chamber music is inevitably a blending of elements of
classical tradition with modern sensibilities. Crafting a composition for just two strings, the
violin and cello, is bound to be stripped down in terms of timbre and structure yet it’s hard
to deny the expressive power of these instruments.
In this intimate setting, the composer must navigate the rich tapestry of possibilities of the
two versatile instruments. The limitations of this particular string duo serve as both a
challenge and an opportunity, compelling the composer to distill their musical ideas into
their purest essence. Among the opportunities you can also count in that the present
repertoire is relatively sparse.
I’m always reluctant to force an interpretation on the listeners and performers, but maybe a
few words about each piece can be helpful.
The very opening of the First piece introduces the listener to a familiar polyphonic structure
where the violin and the cello essentially delivers a brief crab canon. They also introduce
some tone material which later will reoccur. After this short passage the music becomes
more homophonic consisting of short alternating patterns which are also repeated,
including some very short interludes which are not repeated.
The second piece contrasts the first with something softer and calmer which in turn is
interrupted by something more unsettling in the middle.
The third piece uses similar material throughout. The two instruments are engaged in a
dialogue that is solistic with frequent use of multiple stops yet the interplay is seemingly
complementary.
With the fourth piece, the interplay has deepend several degrees and the violin and the cello
occupy occasionally the same time and space while still establishing a friendly coexistence.
The final piece, return to the more hectic tempo of the first piece. In regards to the form it
could be seen as a rondo with a principal theme that is repeated alternating with different
contrasting episodes.
Sliced Classics
2014 November 07
Eclectic piece, mixing classical and more contempoary sounds.
Tolerance, Respect and Do Pop
2014 October 09
Vocal Quartet and Saxophone Quartet. Inter-artistic and dramatic work with references to phenomenons including Shakespeare, absurdist theater and pop art.
Tolerance, Respect and Do Pop
2014 October 09
Vocal Quartet and Saxophone Quartet. Inter-artistic and dramatic work with references to phenomenons including Shakespeare, absurdist theater and pop art.
Harpsichord Etudes
2014 May 23
Four short etudes that holds different challenges for the harpsichordist.
Rubio
2014 February 14
A rhythm and sample based piece inspired by the pop art of the 1950s and -60s. It could be seen as a collage with references to pop culture realized in audio.
Water and Ink
2013 May 23
Cello and Marimba Piece about controlled simplicity. I would like to compare this to east asian ink (and wash) paintings.
Assembly All Players
2013 May 23
Work about the difference between humans and computers; and the huge gap in communication which really has to be bridged for the everyday interactions we have with computers and other 'intelligent' machines.
Water and Ink
2013 May 23
Cello and Marimba Piece about controlled simplicity. I would like to compare this to east asian ink (and wash) paintings.
Assembly All Players
2013 May 23
Work about the difference between humans and computers; and the huge gap in communication which really has to be bridged for the everyday interactions we have with computers and other 'intelligent' machines.
Interaction of Strings
2013 April 12
Different attempts to handle the fact that a guitar quartet is four instruments with exactly the same range and timbre. As suggested by their titles the movements are in somewhat contrasting styles.
Mapping the Genome
2013 March 28
Work for solo guitar about genomic DNA sequencing, especially of the human genome. The piece also includes a DNA sequence interpreted as music.
Mapping the Genome
2013 March 28
Work for solo guitar about genomic DNA sequencing, especially of the human genome. The piece also includes a DNA sequence interpreted as music.
All People are Equal
2012 August 15
Organ solo As I wrote this piece the topic of racism and ethnic discrimination was once again very much in the spotlight by a very tragic event in Norway. And it seemed very appropriate for me to proceed with my initial idea to take a stand for all humans equal rights and against racism and ethnic discrimination. The piece has nine different section with the following titles: 1. stand firm against racism and discrimination 2. all humans are sisters and brothers 3. minority rights, majority obligations 4. don't be scared of the unfamiliar 5. open your eyes against the world 6. much to feel sorry and angry for 7. love and integration 8. in your mind and actions... 9. we are all alike
All People are Equal
2012 August 15
Organ solo As I wrote this piece the topic of racism and ethnic discrimination was once again very much in the spotlight by a very tragic event in Norway. And it seemed very appropriate for me to proceed with my initial idea to take a stand for all humans equal rights and against racism and ethnic discrimination. The piece has nine different section with the following titles: 1. stand firm against racism and discrimination 2. all humans are sisters and brothers 3. minority rights, majority obligations 4. don't be scared of the unfamiliar 5. open your eyes against the world 6. much to feel sorry and angry for 7. love and integration 8. in your mind and actions... 9. we are all alike
the 7th flavour
2012 March 15
2 electric guitars, 1 electric bass Piece exploring the border between sound art and music, with the aid of the electric instruments. Using references to Beethoven's seventh symphony and to songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers, hence the title.
the 7th flavour
2012 March 15
2 electric guitars, 1 electric bass Piece exploring the border between sound art and music, with the aid of the electric instruments. Using references to Beethoven's seventh symphony and to songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers, hence the title.
Thoughts from the Inside and Outside
2012 February 15
- Images from the Brain Organ solo It has often been said that good music preferably is a mix between reason and emotion. The latter distinction being closely related to the the dualist separation of mind and body often attributed to Descartes. This piece is not only an unbalanced mix between analytic and at times mathematical content and emotional content; in addition it also brings forth the question of what it is possible to deduct from the outside of what happens inside the brain.
Thoughts from the Inside and Outside
2012 February 15
- Images from the Brain Organ solo It has often been said that good music preferably is a mix between reason and emotion. The latter distinction being closely related to the the dualist separation of mind and body often attributed to Descartes. This piece is not only an unbalanced mix between analytic and at times mathematical content and emotional content; in addition it also brings forth the question of what it is possible to deduct from the outside of what happens inside the brain.
Absorb, Alter and Dissolve
2011 October 01
Jazz trio I. On Archaic ground II. New and inherited patterns III. Deconstruction The three sections are based on three different approaches to the interplay between art music and jazz. But the idea was also to put this into a larger context. I am interested in how different cultural traditions in general can change. And I think I have found three important ways: 1) one tradition can change by absorbing features from a different tradition, 2) it can change with very careful and deliberate alteration, and 3) it can be changed by more radical dissolution of the structures that defines the culture. I would like to point out that I have no real intention to change the jazz tradition as the jazztrio stands for, but instead explore these ideas in an overall sound collage-like composition.
Absorb, Alter and Dissolve
2011 October 01
Jazz trio I. On Archaic ground II. New and inherited patterns III. Deconstruction The three sections are based on three different approaches to the interplay between art music and jazz. But the idea was also to put this into a larger context. I am interested in how different cultural traditions in general can change. And I think I have found three important ways: 1) one tradition can change by absorbing features from a different tradition, 2) it can change with very careful and deliberate alteration, and 3) it can be changed by more radical dissolution of the structures that defines the culture. I would like to point out that I have no real intention to change the jazz tradition as the jazztrio stands for, but instead explore these ideas in an overall sound collage-like composition.
Green Future?
2011 August 01
String quartet and percussion We all have to relate to the much feared threats to our environment in some way. How will our world be changed in the future if the temperature keeps rising? In the current situation we have to try to change something, but should we go "back to nature" in some sense or will we solve the problem with technological means? One thing is clear though, we can't go back in time to how it was before.
Green Future?
2011 August 01
String quartet and percussion We all have to relate to the much feared threats to our environment in some way. How will our world be changed in the future if the temperature keeps rising? In the current situation we have to try to change something, but should we go "back to nature" in some sense or will we solve the problem with technological means? One thing is clear though, we can't go back in time to how it was before.
Why I Refuse to Drink Coffee
2011 February 16
Theatrical piece. With a lot of symbolism, e.g. coffee as code for the usual, common and obvious.
Why I Refuse to Drink Coffee
2011 February 16
Theatrical piece. With a lot of symbolism, e.g. coffee as code for the usual, common and obvious.
TheMusArt
2011 January 28
Flute, Recorder/Crumhorn, Alto Trombone,Guitar, Contrabass,Percussion Eclectic and interdisciplinary piece which touches on many different subjects and perhaps evokes some interesting questions.
TheMusArt
2011 January 28
Flute, Recorder/Crumhorn, Alto Trombone,Guitar, Contrabass,Percussion Eclectic and interdisciplinary piece which touches on many different subjects and perhaps evokes some interesting questions.
IEI - Interpret, Express and Interact!
2010 November 04
any wind instrument and percussion (with optional non-pitch instruments) Written for the exciting (jazz) duo Medi, but performable for any duo with wind and percussion.
Mental Journey
2010 November 04
Recorder, Tenor saxophone, Banjo/Ukulele or Guitar, Viola. Prologue: Now Going west Going east or further west Going back Epilogue: Forward A piece about keeping an open mind against cultures and ideas that perhaps feels foreign in one way or another; in this is also included to keep an open mind about the past and the future.
IEI - Interpret, Express and Interact!
2010 November 04
any wind instrument and percussion (with optional non-pitch instruments) Written for the exciting (jazz) duo Medi, but performable for any duo with wind and percussion.
Mental Journey
2010 November 04
Recorder, Tenor saxophone, Banjo/Ukulele or Guitar, Viola. Prologue: Now Going west Going east or further west Going back Epilogue: Forward A piece about keeping an open mind against cultures and ideas that perhaps feels foreign in one way or another; in this is also included to keep an open mind about the past and the future.
The appealing tone
2010 September 10
Recorder and harp. "The appealing tone came to us as a voice from a distant past. The wood and the dark strings lit up the gateway to the past.[...]"
The appealing tone
2010 September 10
Recorder and harp. "The appealing tone came to us as a voice from a distant past. The wood and the dark strings lit up the gateway to the past.[...]"
a conscious core
2010 June 11
Carillon solo. A piece about conscious decisions related to more automated and unconscious. It is also about how we humans have a tendency to interpret meaning, patterns and intention in phenomenons that perhaps are unintentional and even meaningsless. Written for the third annual midsommer concert in Malmoe.
a conscious core
2010 June 11
Carillon solo. A piece about conscious decisions related to more automated and unconscious. It is also about how we humans have a tendency to interpret meaning, patterns and intention in phenomenons that perhaps are unintentional and even meaningsless. Written for the third annual midsommer concert in Malmoe.
BriSiCoApPe
2010 February 25
Trumpet, baritone sax, clarinet, cello, piano, percussion and tape Piece in five sections which each reflects a different trait in postmodern art: 1. Bricolage (using whatever happens to be available) - the percussionist is using available stuff. 2. Simplification - simplified and minimalistic using only a few notes and durations. 3. Collage - short contrasting musical fragments with references to different styles. 4. Appropriation (taking possession) - borrowing from older styles of music. 5. Performance - performing words and very short sections with pop references.
BriSiCoApPe
2010 February 25
Trumpet, baritone sax, clarinet, cello, piano, percussion and tape Piece in five sections which each reflects a different trait in postmodern art: 1. Bricolage (using whatever happens to be available) - the percussionist is using available stuff. 2. Simplification - simplified and minimalistic using only a few notes and durations. 3. Collage - short contrasting musical fragments with references to different styles. 4. Appropriation (taking possession) - borrowing from older styles of music. 5. Performance - performing words and very short sections with pop references.
Mourning Franz Joseph
2009 December 21
Written for the concert Haydn Remixed to the memory of Joseph Haydn 200 years after his death. Scored for chamber orchestra (flute, 2 bass clarinets, percussion and strings). The piece is a lament using the first themes found in symphonies 82-86.
Recollecting Joseph
2009 December 21
Written for the concert Haydn Remixed to the memory of Joseph Haydn 200 years after his death. Scored for chamber orchestra (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, percussion and strings). The piece is built around a sampling technique where the opening bars of Haydns symphonies 23-27 is being used.
Life in Five Movements
2009 December 21
Selected in Chai Found Music Workshop´s Wu Xing competition 2009. Scored for the eastern instruments zonghu, qudi, pipa, guzheng, yangqin, liuqin and sheng. A combination of eastern philosophy and pentatonic system with more western part-writing and form.
Mourning Franz Joseph
2009 December 21
Written for the concert Haydn Remixed to the memory of Joseph Haydn 200 years after his death. Scored for chamber orchestra (flute, 2 bass clarinets, percussion and strings). The piece is a lament using the first themes found in symphonies 82-86.
Recollecting Joseph
2009 December 21
Written for the concert Haydn Remixed to the memory of Joseph Haydn 200 years after his death. Scored for chamber orchestra (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, percussion and strings). The piece is built around a sampling technique where the opening bars of Haydns symphonies 23-27 is being used.
Life in Five Movements
2009 December 21
Selected in Chai Found Music Workshop´s Wu Xing competition 2009. Scored for the eastern instruments zonghu, qudi, pipa, guzheng, yangqin, liuqin and sheng. A combination of eastern philosophy and pentatonic system with more western part-writing and form.
Strings, Skins and Wood
2009 September 10
Harp and percussion. The piece centers mostly around the harp and its possibilities and limitations, viewed differently from the perspective of the harpist and the percussionist.
Strings, Skins and Wood
2009 September 10
Harp and percussion. The piece centers mostly around the harp and its possibilities and limitations, viewed differently from the perspective of the harpist and the percussionist.
Making Friends
2009 August 31
Trombone, tuba and 2 percussionists. Written for a concert in collaboration with the islandic group SLATUR.
Making Friends
2009 August 31
Trombone, tuba and 2 percussionists. Written for a concert in collaboration with the islandic group SLATUR.
Bells, Birds and Metal
2009 June 30
Carillon, two recorders and tape. Written for the second annual midsommer concert in Malmoe.
Bells, Birds and Metal
2009 June 30
Carillon, two recorders and tape. Written for the second annual midsommer concert in Malmoe.
21 bagatelles
2009 June 01
Piano solo
A rather extreme interpretation of the concept of bagatelle; each bagatalle is only a few bars long and lasting for only seconds. The bagatelles are paired in groups of three with a common theme of some sort. But they can be played seperately or in any order.
21 bagatelles
2009 June 01
Piano solo
A rather extreme interpretation of the concept of bagatelle; each bagatalle is only a few bars long and lasting for only seconds. The bagatelles are paired in groups of three with a common theme of some sort. But they can be played seperately or in any order.
whatsoever
2009 May 22
For acoustic and computer ensemble. The title refers both to the indeterminate outcome of the piece and the fact that the form can be looped continously.
Bachufobia
2009 May 22
Adaptation of BWV 1001 (solo violin) for vibraphone, trumpet and percussion/drum set and electronics.
whatsoever
2009 May 22
For acoustic and computer ensemble. The title refers both to the indeterminate outcome of the piece and the fact that the form can be looped continously.
Bachufobia
2009 May 22
Adaptation of BWV 1001 (solo violin) for vibraphone, trumpet and percussion/drum set and electronics.
Acoustic Modifications
2009 May 18
Short piece for bass clarinet, marimba and tape.
Acoustic Modifications
2009 May 18
Short piece for bass clarinet, marimba and tape.
Tuned Connections
2009 April 09
Scored for banjo/electric guitar and live electronics. Written for a concert with focus on the electric guitar.
Tuned Connections
2009 April 09
Scored for banjo/electric guitar and live electronics. Written for a concert with focus on the electric guitar.
Magnified Marimba
2009 January 15
"Your eyes are wandering without purpose. Suddenly you see something that catches your interest. You zoom in. You are caught. You lose yourself in the details and zoom in to the limit." Marimba and EAM. A gradual focus of pulse ends up in groovy jazz-flavoured electronica.
Surprise Me!
2009 January 15
Surprising variations on the theme from Haydn´s symphony "Surprise". Carillon solo.
Magnified Marimba
2009 January 15
"Your eyes are wandering without purpose. Suddenly you see something that catches your interest. You zoom in. You are caught. You lose yourself in the details and zoom in to the limit." Marimba and EAM. A gradual focus of pulse ends up in groovy jazz-flavoured electronica.
Surprise Me!
2009 January 15
Surprising variations on the theme from Haydn´s symphony "Surprise". Carillon solo.
New Media Old Media
2008 December 16
Female choir with solo Partly a tribute to media, partly a critic of our attitude towards media. Text by the composer.
Breathe Out
2008 December 16
An exploration of the instrument, and a journey from very free and respiring playing to strict and surprising rhythm. Accordion solo.
New Media Old Media
2008 December 16
Female choir with solo Partly a tribute to media, partly a critic of our attitude towards media. Text by the composer.
Breathe Out
2008 December 16
An exploration of the instrument, and a journey from very free and respiring playing to strict and surprising rhythm. Accordion solo.
The Eight Elements
2008 November 05
Thoughtful piece about every day material and their sounds written for two percussion players. The following eight "elements" are stipulated: metal, wood, plastic, textile, water, glass, stone and paper.
The Eight Elements
2008 November 05
Thoughtful piece about every day material and their sounds written for two percussion players. The following eight "elements" are stipulated: metal, wood, plastic, textile, water, glass, stone and paper.
Climbing towards the Sun
2008 August 28
Written for the large but unusual outdoor instrument carillon. Upward, reaching movement.
Climbing towards the Sun
2008 August 28
Written for the large but unusual outdoor instrument carillon. Upward, reaching movement.
Beyond the End of Times
2008 August 09
Quartet for the twentyfirst century in memory of Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
Beyond the End of Times
2008 August 09
Quartet for the twentyfirst century in memory of Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
Waiting by the Big Clock
2008 May 09
A piece about waiting for a loved one. Bass clarinet and marimba.
Disillusions
2008 May 09
Eclectic and playful piece in three movements roughly about the transition from disillusion and depression to joy and happiness. Guitar, violin, accordion and percussion.
Lanorica
2008 May 09
Piece for flute and guitar. Inspired by Ástor Piazzolla. Roughly in Tango nuevo style, but with hints of minimalism in the middle section.
Sleepwalking
2008 May 09
The inner state of a person sleepwalking and abruptly waking up. Trumpet, marimba and optional live-electronics.
The Seasons of Uranus - three part invention
2008 May 09
A piece for tenor recorder and harpsichord about extreme conditions on Uranus with some baroque influences.
Cold as Snow
2008 May 09
Piece for trumpet and carillon with improvisational middle section.
Shadows
2008 May 09
Piece for electric guitar and computer - roughly sketched with much improvisation.
Waiting by the Big Clock
2008 May 09
A piece about waiting for a loved one. Bass clarinet and marimba.
Disillusions
2008 May 09
Eclectic and playful piece in three movements roughly about the transition from disillusion and depression to joy and happiness. Guitar, violin, accordion and percussion.
Lanorica
2008 May 09
Piece for flute and guitar. Inspired by Ástor Piazzolla. Roughly in Tango nuevo style, but with hints of minimalism in the middle section.
Sleepwalking
2008 May 09
The inner state of a person sleepwalking and abruptly waking up. Trumpet, marimba and optional live-electronics.
The Seasons of Uranus - three part invention
2008 May 09
A piece for tenor recorder and harpsichord about extreme conditions on Uranus with some baroque influences.
Cold as Snow
2008 May 09
Piece for trumpet and carillon with improvisational middle section.
Shadows
2008 May 09
Piece for electric guitar and computer - roughly sketched with much improvisation.
Global Warning
2007 November 03
Global challanges for the 21th century. Tuba, electric guitar and live electronics. I. The Road to World Peace II. Clean Environment
Global Warning
2007 November 03
Global challanges for the 21th century. Tuba, electric guitar and live electronics. I. The Road to World Peace II. Clean Environment
Human Relations
2007 January 17
Duo for guitar and alto guitar. Piece in 6 movements which tells the story of a single relation, or human relations overall. The movements are titled: I. Acquaintance II. Conflict of Interest III. Attraction IV. Relief V. Routine VI. Domestic Solutions.
Human Relations
2007 January 17
Duo for guitar and alto guitar. Piece in 6 movements which tells the story of a single relation, or human relations overall. The movements are titled: I. Acquaintance II. Conflict of Interest III. Attraction IV. Relief V. Routine VI. Domestic Solutions.
Danza Sentimentale
2006 March 09
Piece with dance character, written for solo guitar.
Variations on an Andaluzian Dance theme
2006 March 09
The piece is based on the theme from Danza Espanola no. 5 by Granados, and consists of five contrasting variations: 1) 'Quasi theme' - molto passionato ma alla danza 2) 'The Upbeat' - semplice e reflessivo 3) 'The Melody' - dolce e cantabile 4) 'The Grace Notes' - con moto e scherzando 5) 'Quasi theme' - agitato.
Guitar Trio No. 1
2006 March 09
Piece written for the enthusiastic and promising guitar trio Trio MaLaDa, former pupils of guitarist Carsten Groendahl. Not only was the piece written directly for the trio, each separate part was created directly for the individual guitarists. The piece is mostly in classical style but with hints from other genres. It is in three movements: I. Prelude II. Dance III. Finale.
Guitar Trio No. 1
2006 March 09
Piece written for the enthusiastic and promising guitar trio Trio MaLaDa, former pupils of guitarist Carsten Groendahl. Not only was the piece written directly for the trio, each separate part was created directly for the individual guitarists. The piece is mostly in classical style but with hints from other genres. It is in three movements: I. Prelude II. Dance III. Finale.
Danza Sentimentale
2006 March 09
Piece with dance character, written for solo guitar.
Variations on an Andaluzian Dance theme
2006 March 09
The piece is based on the theme from Danza Espanola no. 5 by Granados, and consists of five contrasting variations: 1) 'Quasi theme' - molto passionato ma alla danza 2) 'The Upbeat' - semplice e reflessivo 3) 'The Melody' - dolce e cantabile 4) 'The Grace Notes' - con moto e scherzando 5) 'Quasi theme' - agitato.
Guitar Trio No. 1
2006 March 09
Piece written for the enthusiastic and promising guitar trio Trio MaLaDa, former pupils of guitarist Carsten Groendahl. Not only was the piece written directly for the trio, each separate part was created directly for the individual guitarists. The piece is mostly in classical style but with hints from other genres. It is in three movements: I. Prelude II. Dance III. Finale.
Peter Bjuhr Composer
Here I publish information of the music I've written. I also blog about my projects and thoughts about music in general.
I am a contemporary classical composer and compose music for classical musicians, but as you can see from my worklist I've also done other things - including live electronics, electroacoustic music (eam) and music for other types of ensembles (e.g. a jazz trio).
My works have been performed globally, including Europe, Asia and North America.