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
I feel kind of sorry for Schoenberg, in light of a lot of postings (largely outside of this blog) trashing his music. Everyone's entitled to his or her opinion, of course, and I personally agree in principle with much of what Kyle Gann has said on this issue. However, I felt compelled to respond, since I always thought Schoenberg was probably a pretty nice person, although I suspect he was a bit distant and hard to connect with. I also think he was probably somewhat down about a lot of the abuse he took both in Austria and this country. After all, he did write an essay titled "How One Becomes Lonely."
Kyle Gann's recent essay is worthwhile reading, and I support most of it. I just don't think 12-tone music was a hoax. I think it's important to look at the historical context. But most important, who cares about how it was written so long as one likes the music for the music's sake?
posted by David Toub
10:33 PM
