One can tell that this is a composer who possesses rich knowledge and sensibility in regards to the human voice, and is aware of how choral singers function. There has to be a knowledge and feel for the text. One has to feel that the composer has taken great care in crafting each part in such a way that the resulting part invites the singers to cooperate, rather than to cover up for each other, or that weaknesses are exposed. The end result has to be both challenging and harmonious – the choir and the singers has to put in effort to take the piece to the next level, and at the same time, it should be heard smoothly by the listener. Hanspers succeeds in all this, and to have a composer of that calibre in Västerås is very valuable indeed.
Joakim Olsson Kruse, choral conductor and organist, Västerås cathedral
”Songs from the other side are four melodic and organic choral pieces, which beatifully unfolds the world within the texts. They are immidiately ear-catching and at the same time complex.”
Karen-Maria Baun Hørlück, conductor, Frederiksborg boys choir
”In his compositions, Erik Hanspers has showed great interest in idiomatic playing techniques and developed a unique sound. The pieces he compose are challenging and engaging, with a high level of artistc quality and depth.”
Stina Hellberg Agback, harpist
”While working on Field notes from the end of the world, both Eriks music and leadership played a crucial part. As a leader, Erik is always well prepared and precise, while at the same time creating a safe and concentrated space during rehearsals. Eriks music became a beautiful and original musical world that came to shape the aesthetics and spatial design of the production.”
Gustav Englund, theatre director
”Already as a student, Erik Hanspers showed an extraordinary musical curiousity and creative ambition. As a composer, he has developed his own ’tone’ with emphasis on vocal idiomatic, serene expressiveness and sensibility.”
Kjell Perder, composer and former associate professor at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.
