The music of Ole Buck (b. 1945) is simple and beauty-seeking, sophisticated and surprising on its own terms. In some works he will make do with as few as five notes, but the composer’s incomparable sense of timing ensures that the listener never feels the need for more. This album presents premiere recordings of four of Buck’s works, of which three are inspired by nature: Fiori di ghiaccio (‘Ice Flowers’), A Tree and Flower Ornament Music – all recorded by Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen and conductor Jesper Nordin.

Ole Buck is one of the best kept secrets in Danish contemporary music. He is unknown to the general public, esteemed by all who have heard his music. Ole Buck has developed his own “new simplicity” and has worked with repetitions of a small number of crystallized tones, which are dabbed through the music like brush-stokes in a Japanese drawing. With his pristine expressive idiom, many stylistic elements find a place in Buck’s music. His works are elaborated down to the smallest detail, with many exquisite, elegant features. On the surface the music may seem cool, but beneath this there are always narrative or playful elements. Ole Buck has composed several chamber works in succession as well as instrumental works for large ensembles, for example the four-seasons piece Landskaber (Landscapes).