Composers Forum is a daily web log that allows invited contemporary composers to share their thoughts and ideas on any topic that interests them--from the ethereal, like how new music gets created, music history, theory, performance, other composers, alive or dead, to the mundane, like getting works played and recorded and the joys of teaching. If you're a professional composer and would like to participate, send us an e-mail.
Record companies, artists and publicists are invited to submit CDs to be considered for review. Send to: Jerry Bowles, Editor, Sequenza 21, 340 W. 57th Street, 12B, New York, NY 10019
Larry Bell’s report from Rome is particularly interesting to me in light of the assertion I have heard several times that all 20th century American composers were either French or German in attitude. The assertion is offensive in almost every way, even though it is intended only as a provocative generalization, but I’m especially struck by the way it marginalizes Italian influence on 20th century music, an influence that has not been given the credit it deserves. There has long been a condescension toward Italian music in academic and avant-garde circles.
One of the richest aspects of American music has been its ability to learn from all cultures. I’m curious to know which influences my forum colleagues and other contributors think are left out of the discussion. What cultures have been marginalized? Which ones are given too much credit?
