Learn
Young composers II: Great performers, thirsty audiences
Still from “moromoro”, a piece by Dai Fujikura for piano, electronics and video (left); Fujikura, at left, with conductor Pierre Boulez (right)
I’ve had the privilege to attend three concerts in the past few years that have stood out for a number of reasons.
First, because they featured world-premieres of pieces by young composers. Second, because they happened in this melting-pot of a city - Chicago. Third, because the music stuck with me, whether I find myself wanting to hear to it often or not. Fourth, because the audiences were there to listen.
There will always be a place in my heart, brain, and iPod for When Doves Cry, Owner of a Lonely Heart, and Rockin’ in the Free World. There is also a place for great contemporary classical music that requires dedicated and talented composers, performers, and most of all… live, eager audiences.
I believe the latter to be essential.
For any artist to have an audience that comes without prejudice or preconceived notions and generously gives their full attention and time is rare - for it to happen routinely is truly a gift. These young composers surely had friends and family come to support them, but for an unobligated listener, the results could be strange, beautiful, revelatory, or inspiring. All were true for me, someone who doesn’t make a living in music, but who nonetheless may have more courage to knock around a few sound ideas in the future thanks to some of these concerts.
Composers and works
Dai Fujikura (b. 1977)
moromoro (2003) for piano, electronics, and video (by Tomoya Yamaguchi)
Polyphonic Voices, Program IV, June 3, 2004, Columbia College Chicago
Ondrej Adamek (b. 1979)
Strange Night in Daylight (2003) for chamber orchestra and electronics
Polyphonic Voices, Program V, June 5, 2004, Columbia College Chicago
from the program notes by the composer:
“In the beginning of the piece, streams of energy overshadow and sweep over each other. Different instruments enter in deep spaces of varied color. In the last section, driving pulsation becomes mechanical and constant. This is my first piece for instruments and electronics. I use harmonic and non-harmonic spectrums, layering of pulsations, and contrast between fullness and void.”
Krzysztof Wolek (b. 1976)
Eppur si muove (2006) for soprano, chamber orchestra, electronics, and video (by Julie Rafalski)
“Tomorrow’s Music Today, Concert 2”, May 19, 2006, Rudolph Ganz Memorial Hall, Roosevelt University
from the program notes by the composer:
“Eppur si muove (And yet it does move) is inspired by the lives and achievements of two great scientists, philosophers, and writers: Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei. The title of the piece comes from the words which, according to legend, Galileo said to himself after leaving the session of the Inquisition that had found him guilty of heresy and believing in the Copernican notion that the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center of the universe… The abjuration in which Galileo was forced to denounce the heliocentric theory is one of the most dramatic moments in the history of humanity and shows the struggle of individuality against an established system of beliefs.”
Performers
International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE)
eighth blackbird
Pacifica Quartet
Tony Arnold, soprano
A note to audiences
No amount of written description can take the place of hearing the music. Presenting new music is expensive, so be an audience member when you can (not always free, but we’re not talking $75.00 to see Coldplay).
Unfortunately, I have been unable to find links to recordings other than those provided above, but contact the composers or me if you’re interested… I’m working on it.
RSS Feed