Dan Styffe, Swedish born double-bassist now living in Oslo, Norway.
After starting on the electric bass playing rock and jazz, Styffe started his classical studies with Göran Nyberg in Sweden and then went on to Prof. Knut Guettier in Oslo and Prof. Gany Karr in USA.
1982 he started as Principal Double Bassist in the Norwegian Opera Orchestra. He is now Principal Bass in the Norwegian Chamber Orch. And Co-Principal in Oslo Philharmonic.
He was member of the chamber group Borealis.
Styffe teaches at the Norwegian Academy of Music and at Barratt Dues Institute of Music.
Styffe has recorded (along many chamber-music and orchestra CDs) two solo CDs which has won veny good international acclaim ("Double Bass Dan Styffe" and "Revisited Dan Styffe". Both on SIMAX Classics)..
Athird CD is just recorded (including among others Pärt:
Schäfer, Ramsier, Hauta-aho, Lavista ) and new CDs are planned on the Norwegian label SIMAX Classics.
Just recently an English CD with Styffe as one of two double bass soloists was released on the label Campion. Styffe has commissioned and world-premiered numerous contemporany pieces.
At the moment Nonivegian composer Ruben Sverre Gjertsen and Swedish Fredrik Högberg is composing new pieces. Styffe often participates on music festivals both in Norway and internationally as a soloist and as chamber musician.
From reviews from my CDs and concerts
...works beautifully on the double bass. Styffe produces a performance of dark tone colors with a lyrical musical line from beginning to end. (International Record Review) An absorbing and rewarding programme for the inquisitive double-bass fancier, truthfully recorded and played with great style and conviction. (The Strad)
This is an amazing disc. Hear it if you can. (American Record Guide)
Styffe brings solid technique and a Romantic sense of expression to his playing that one tends not to expect from the contrabass. (Fanfare)
...chameleon-like facility of technique, style and understanding... (Double Bassist)
...intelligently conceived, strikingly poetic and innately musical... (Double Bassist)
...completely at ease with the modern styles, producing strongly committed and dedicated performances. (The Strad)
...even double basses can fly. (International Record Review)
...this disc is a surprise and a delight. (International Record Review)
...Styffe, one of the instruments contemporany masters. (International Record Review)
Dan Styffes tolkning var virkelig temperamentsfull og virtuos. Bravo l (Vlrt Land)