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.
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Regarding a comment about erotic text in choral music and a religious choir, a controversial choice can can cause unintended results and schisms.
A couple years ago for an oratorio, I had in mind a "nightmare" movement involving a somewhat occult/erotic text by Baudelaire. At one of the early discussions with the commissioning ensemble, there was a minor shockwave and controversy. Some of the devout among the choir had philosophical allergies to this particular text. I settled on something else, as I felt it my job to make them sound good without dividing them on such issues. But I've sometimes wondered what might have been... maybe I can still use it one day.
Have others had similar experiences? Different solutions? Have you gone to the mattresses over the issue? (sorry...)
posted by Cary Boyce
4:51 PM
