Max Richter

Max Richter (born 22 March 1966) is a British composer and pianist whose work sits at the intersection of postminimalism and contemporary classical music. He is known for writing music that draws on classical forms while engaging with modern compositional approaches.

Richter is classically trained. He graduated in composition from the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Academy of Music in London, and he later studied with the composer Luciano Berio in Italy. This academic background underpins a catalogue that is often discussed in terms of postminimalist practice, with an emphasis on composition as the central discipline alongside performance at the piano.

In addition to composing, Richter is also a pianist, and his recorded output reflects that dual role. His work is frequently grouped with contemporary classical and compositional ambient contexts, where studio production and instrumental writing can be closely linked. Across releases and credits, he has been associated with keyboard-based performance, including piano and synthesizer, alongside his primary identity as a composer.