Composers You’d Like To Explore In 2020

Mirror Image · February 03, 2020, 06:00:08 PM

Quote from: San Antone on January 14, 2020, 04:08:03 PM
Although I've listened to his music a lot over the years, I don't think I've really listened to it in depth - Pierre Boulez will join Verdi and Wagner as my 2020 composers to explore.

I wouldn't mind seeing if I couldn't get into Boulez as well. I have that Boulez Complete set on DG, so why not, right?

vandermolen · February 04, 2020, 05:15:38 AM

Quote from: Mirror Image on February 03, 2020, 06:00:08 PM
I wouldn't mind seeing if I couldn't get into Boulez as well. I have that Boulez Complete set on DG, so why not, right?

I wonder what the most 'approachable' music by Boulez is? Any suggestions anyone?

Mirror Image · February 04, 2020, 06:00:55 AM

Quote from: vandermolen on February 04, 2020, 05:15:38 AM
I wonder what the most 'approachable' music by Boulez is? Any suggestions anyone?

So far, Jeffrey, I'd say if you're familiar with work of the Second Viennese School, Messiaen (to some extent as he was a student of this composer after all), and Debussy, then Boulez isn't too difficult to get into. I think Rafael (ritter) would be the best person to ask these questions to as Boulez is one of his favorite composers (in his 'Top 3' I believe). I will also say if you approach Boulez like he's a Romantic or even an early Modernist, then I think the point would be missed. This is music that, IMHO, is more concerned with texture, color, harmony, and atmosphere rather than any kind of traditional notions of what most would consider to be music or 'qualify' as music.

vandermolen · February 04, 2020, 06:17:03 AM

Quote from: Mirror Image on February 04, 2020, 06:00:55 AM
So far, Jeffrey, I'd say if you're familiar with work of the Second Viennese School, Messiaen (to some extent as he was a student of this composer after all), and Debussy, then Boulez isn't too difficult to get into. I think Rafael (ritter) would be the best person to ask these questions to as Boulez is one of his favorite composers (in his 'Top 3' I believe). I will also say if you approach Boulez like he's a Romantic or even an early Modernist, then I think the point would be missed. This is music that, IMHO, is more concerned with texture, color, harmony, and atmosphere rather than any kind of traditional notions of what most would consider to be music or 'qualify' as music.

Thanks for the very considered response John.

Mirror Image · February 04, 2020, 06:40:08 AM

Quote from: vandermolen on February 04, 2020, 06:17:03 AM
Thanks for the very considered response John.

My pleasure, Jeffrey.