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
Kyle Gann recently posted something on the Pulitzer prize in music that echoes my sentiments. I think it will be a rare day when a composer who is doing something really innovative (what would be called a "disruptive innovation" in the business/IT world) wins a Pulitzer. Some composers on the face of it seem more likely to eventually win the prize, just as some seem very unlikely (Charlemagne Palestine, Meredith Monk, etc). That's just how it is. Awards are generally conservative in nature, and we either all need to accept this as a working rule and move on, or else work to bring such award committees into the 21st century. The addition of Muhal Richard Abrams to the Pulitzer committee is a good first step, but fundamentally inadequate given the makeup of the remainder of the committee. It's time for more new, diverse blood to join the Pulitzer judges. And yes, it's about time the Pulitzer in music became a more broad-based award. There are other valid forms of music besides what is inaccurately described as "classical." That doesn't mean the award would/should go to J Lo. But isn't some jazz worthy of a Pulitzer? I'm not sure the world would end were that the case.
posted by David Toub
10:10 AM
