# Max Richter

> British composer (born 1966)

**Wikidata**: [Q714325](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q714325)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Richter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-richter

## Summary
Max Richter is a British composer, pianist, and film score composer born in 1966. He is known for his work in postminimalism and ambient music, and has been associated with FatCat Records and Deutsche Grammophon.

## Biography
- Born: 1966
- Nationality: British
- Education: University of Edinburgh
- Known for: Postminimalist and ambient music compositions
- Employer(s): FatCat Records, Deutsche Grammophon
- Field(s): Music composition, film scoring

## Contributions
Max Richter has made significant contributions to contemporary classical music through his compositions in postminimalism and ambient music genres. His work spans across various mediums including film scores, television soundtracks, and concert music. He has released numerous albums and compositions that have influenced the modern classical music landscape, particularly in the UK and internationally.

## FAQs
What is Max Richter known for?
Max Richter is known for his work as a composer in postminimalism and ambient music genres, creating both concert music and film scores that blend classical traditions with contemporary electronic elements.

Where did Max Richter study?
Max Richter studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he received his education before beginning his professional career in music composition.

What record labels has Max Richter worked with?
Max Richter has worked with FatCat Records, an English independent record label, and Deutsche Grammophon, a prestigious German classical music record label.

What type of music does Max Richter compose?
Max Richter composes postminimalist and ambient music, often incorporating electronic elements with traditional classical instrumentation in his works.

## Why They Matter
Max Richter matters because he has bridged the gap between classical music traditions and contemporary electronic music, creating a unique sound that has influenced a generation of composers and musicians. His work has brought classical music to new audiences through film and television scores while maintaining artistic integrity in his concert works. Richter's compositions have been performed in major concert halls worldwide and have been featured in numerous award-winning films and television series, making him one of the most prominent British composers of his generation.

## Notable For
- Being a prominent figure in postminimalism and ambient music
- Working with both FatCat Records and Deutsche Grammophon
- Creating influential film and television scores
- Blending classical and electronic music elements
- Being educated at the University of Edinburgh
- Receiving recognition as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Max Richter was born in 1966 in the United Kingdom. He pursued his higher education at the University of Edinburgh, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Scotland. The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, has a long tradition of excellence in arts and humanities, providing Richter with a strong foundation for his future career in music composition.

### Musical Career and Style
Richter's musical career is characterized by his work in postminimalism and ambient music. Postminimalism, which emerged in the 1960s, is an art movement influenced by the aesthetic of minimalism but often incorporates more complex harmonic and rhythmic elements. Richter's ambient music compositions, which began gaining prominence in the late 1960s, create atmospheric soundscapes that often serve as background music while maintaining artistic depth.

### Record Label Associations
Throughout his career, Richter has been associated with two significant record labels. FatCat Records, an English independent record label founded in 1997, has been one of his primary labels. Additionally, he has worked with Deutsche Grammophon, the prestigious German classical music record label founded in 1898. Deutsche Grammophon is known for its high-quality classical recordings and has been home to many of the world's greatest classical musicians.

### Film and Television Work
As a film score composer, Richter has created music for numerous films and television productions. His work in this field has brought his unique compositional style to wider audiences, blending his postminimalist and ambient approaches with the narrative requirements of visual media. His film scores have been recognized with various awards and nominations, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary film music.

### Awards and Recognition
Richter's contributions to music have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He has received the European Film Award for Best Composer, acknowledging his excellence in film music composition. Additionally, he has been honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a significant recognition of his contributions to British culture and the arts.

### Musical Legacy and Influence
Richter's work has had a significant impact on contemporary classical music, particularly in the UK. His ability to blend traditional classical elements with modern electronic music has influenced many younger composers and musicians. His compositions are regularly performed in concert halls around the world, and his film scores have reached millions of viewers, making him one of the most widely heard contemporary classical composers.

### Discography and Major Works
While specific album titles are not provided in the source material, Richter's discography spans multiple record labels and includes both concert works and film scores. His music is characterized by its emotional depth, technical sophistication, and accessibility to general audiences. His works often feature repetitive patterns, atmospheric textures, and a blend of acoustic and electronic instruments.

### Contemporary Classical Music Scene
Within the contemporary classical music scene, Richter stands out for his ability to maintain artistic integrity while achieving commercial success. His work with both independent labels like FatCat Records and major classical labels like Deutsche Grammophon demonstrates his versatility and broad appeal. His music has helped to redefine what classical music can be in the 21st century, making it more accessible to younger audiences while maintaining the complexity and depth expected by classical music enthusiasts.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. datos.bne.es
5. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-2008.65.0.html)
6. [Source](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5027620)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Discogs
13. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
14. [Source](https://aefestival.gr/festival_events/max-richter/)
15. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2008.106.0.html)
16. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2026)
17. IdRef
18. CONOR.SI
19. Autoritats UB
20. BBC Things
21. [Source](http://www.maxrichtermusic.com)
22. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Max_Richter-W4Y5ND)
23. YouTube API
24. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/max-richter-107a99robn/appearances)
25. The Movie Database