Axel Borup-Jørgensen: Carambolage

Axel Borup-Jørgensen (1924-2012) was a Danish composer whose life and work were marked by a deep connection to nature and a unique musical voice. Born in Hjørring, Denmark, Borup-Jørgensen spent his formative years in Sweden, where his family moved when he was just two years old. This dual cultural upbringing significantly influenced his compositional style, which is characterized by its intense nature mysticism and distinctive modernist approach.

Borup-Jørgensen studied piano at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen and further honed his skills in instrumentation with notable figures like Poul Schierbeck and Jørgen Jersild. Despite his formal training, he considered himself largely self-taught as a composer, developing a personal style that often explored new sound possibilities and innovative ways of playing instruments.

His works are known for their vivid imagery, evoking everything from the skeletal outlines of barren trees to the tumultuous energy of a storm at sea. Borup-Jørgensen's meticulous approach to composition and his collaboration with instrumentalists who could bring his vision to life made his music both distinctive and deeply evocative.

Throughout his career, Borup-Jørgensen maintained a quiet yet prolific presence in the musical world, continuing to refine his craft until his passing in 2012. His legacy includes a rich body of work that spans various genres and forms, each piece a testament to his unique artistic vision and his enduring love for the natural world.