Borut Krzisnik (1961, Zagreb) is a Slovenian composer of contemporary music, based in Ljubljana. Born into a family of diplomats, he moved frequently during his childhood, both within former Yugoslavia and abroad, before finally settling in Ljubljana. Living among different nationalities and experiencing different mentalities helped form his understanding of diversity, something which certainly contributed to his broad approach to music. He played piano as a child, eventually switching to guitar and building up his unique way of composing. He graduated in Psychology from the University of Ljubljana, but devoted himself to music.
He released eight albums: DANCING MACHINE (Claudio Records, 2020), LIGHTNING (Claudio Records, 2013), VALSE BRUTAL (Claudio Records, 2014, KUD France Prešeren, 2009), SACRE DU TEMPS (Claudio Records, 2013, Station Zuid, 2007), A LIFE IN SUITCASES (Claudio Records, 2012, First Name Soundtracks, 2006), STORIES FROM MAGATREA (Claudio Records,2014, KUD France Prešeren, 1997, US's release: Falcata-Galia Recordings, 1999), LA DOLCE VITA (Claudio Records, 2014, FV, Ljubljana/Discordia, Willich, 1995) and CURRENTS OF TIME (Claudio Records, 2012, Recommended Records, London, 1991; re-release: Tone Casualties, Hollywood, 1998).
Music of Borut Krzisnik is used for a great number of film, dance, theatre and other productions. He wrote the score for Peter Greenaway's film trilogy Tulse Luper Suitcases and its integral version A Life in Suitcases. They were screened at almost all important film festivals (Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Rotterdam, Tribeca, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Philadelphia, Hong Kong, Edinburgh and many others). He has also joined Greenaway at Gold – 92 bars in the broken car (theatre play, Schauspiel Frankfurt), The Reitdiep Journeys (documentary), Grand Terp (complex site specific installation, Groningen), Map to Paradise (exhibition, Ljubljana) and some others.
One of the best examples of happy marriage between his music and contemporary theatre are performances conceived and directed by American-Brasilian director Gerald Thomas: Nietzsche Contra Wagner (SESC, Sao Paulo, 2000) and Anchorpectoris – United States of the Mind (La MaMa, New York, 2004). His music served as one of the cores in Thomas’ “absolute theater”, driving and fusing various theatre languages, from "traditional" theatre, ballet and opera to physical theatre.
Among his works for dance, the most outstanding collaboration is with internationally acclaimed Romanian born choreographer Edward Clug. They join forces in Sacre du Temps (Tilburg, 2007), Skitzen (Graz, 2010), Divine Comedy (BITEF, 2011), Songs for the mating season - Hommage a Stravinsky (SNG Maribor, 2012. These inspiring performances draw their energy both from classical ballet and contemporary dance.
Very important were his numerous collaborations with Slovenian director Emil Hrvatin and British director Julie-Anne Robinson (best known for Blackpool). Although different, they have in common their characteristic synthesis of strong, revealing concept and bold interpretation. They are continuously present on European stages with culminations in Picollo Teatro in Milan, Bush Theatre and Royal National Theatre in London.
Recently, apart from his albums, he devoted himself to contemporary dance projects. He collaborated with Thomas Noone, Natalia Horecna, Ana Lujan Sanchez, Isabelle Kralj, Josh Beamish, Virpi Pahkinen and Gyula Berger, Bojan Jablanovec, Borghesia and Laibach.
Krzisnik won Vesna prize for best film music at Slovenian Film festival in 2008 (film Landscape No2) and 1st prize at the Napoli Danza Festival (art-video Labyrinth).
