Modern Music

[the_lady_lily]

As a default, I don't tend to think much of modern composers, particularly because of some rather unfortunate experiences with Ligeti and Cage. I started this post by saying that I didn't think much of modern composers full stop, but then remembered that after exposure to their works, I've become quite fond of many modern composers of choral works; nonetheless, my appreciation of modern orchestral music has pretty much stuck at Britten.

However, always being willing to experiment with new things, I decided to take advantage of BBC Radio 3's Listen Again facilty, which for the nonce is carrying recordings of all the concerts that took place during A Journey of the Soul, the BBC Symphony Orchestra's 2007 January Composer Weekend celebrating the music of Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. Who I had never heard of. However, last night I listened to String Quartets 3 and 4, and now am in the middle of Marchenpoem or Fairy Tale Poem. I have to say that I'm rather enjoying it, and am quite pleased to have discovered Gubaidulina, even in a small way.

Also, this week's Composer of the Week is Frank Bridge, an important tutor for Benjamin Britten, chronically under-appreciated, and quite clearly in need of a revivial and reappreciation. Five programs over five days, a

So I encourage you all to make this Modern Music Week, since there's actually good stuff out there to listen to. Huzzah for the BBC!

Comments

[smellingbottle.livejournal.com]

I have good intentions, but seem to be a hardline baroque-lover, with little patience for the 20th/21st c. And Cage...

[the-lady-lily.livejournal.com]

I normally find that I tend to like modern choral composers who respect and draw on the older musical traditions instead of being silly. I think innovation is possible and desirable, but the conventions of music have to be respected.

This is one of the reasons I dislike Cage.

[mirabehn.livejournal.com]

Have you ever heard John Tavener's The Protecting Veil?

Choral music's kind of my first priority, so I always think of myself a fan of modern composers because I adore most modern choral music. I am fussier about orchestral works though. But having said that I enjoy much of the Messiaen that I've heard. And The Protecting Veil, of course.

[the-lady-lily.livejournal.com]

I've not heard that Tavener, actually. Is it choral or orchestral?