A French composer born August 4, 1966 in Dijon.
A violinist, Frédéric Kahn studied at the Dijon Conservatory and the University of Bourgogne. He studied composition at the Lyons Regional Conservatory with Denis Dufour then at the higher Lyons Conservatory with Gilbert Amy. He completed his training with masterclasses at Royaumont, the Centre Acanthes and the computer music course at Ircam.
Exemplifying great poetry and refinement in detail, Kahn has composed music for solo instrument (Erh-Ya for amplified contrabass flute, 2003; Entrevoir for piano, 2004; Unendlichkeit for bassoon and electronics, 2012), for instrumental ensemble (Dust memories, 2002; Nahe zu fern, 2003; Interventions dialogues, 2007), for the voice (Fragments d’un bel été, ‘action musicale’ for amplified reciter and audio support, 2003; Fausse solitude for mezzo-soprano and cello, 2005), as well as acousmatic works (Sterblich (Mortel/le) ou La purgatoire des sens, commissioned by the French State, 2003; Apokalyptica, La Bible – Les Livres, ‘video-operatorio’ of fixed/projected images and sounds, audiovisual theatre, 2005-2012).
His works are often the result of collaborations with writers, sound poets, scientists, video artistes and visual artists. He employs new technologies, electronic treatment and includes reflection on sound morphology as well as stage production and the spatialisation of sound, investigating possible relationships between sound and gesture, space and the listening process.
Kahn teaches computer music at the University of Lyons (2002-2016), and, since 2013, at the University of Bourgogne. He also gives masterclasses entitled Esthéthique des formes sonores and Musique appliquée aux arts visuels.
