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20050502 Monday May 02, 2005

[ Personal ] There Is More to Music Than It Sounds

In "What Fosters My Imagination," I had said a few words about imagination, what nurtures it and "Western" music.

In response, I received an enlightening private note from Richard Friedman, which I now produce here, with his permission, of course. It is a nice review of some modern trends and "art music" which you, like me, may have missed. (Richard also points to his upcoming program on KALW.)

[Your impressions depend] on what "Western Music" you're listening to.

I could give you quite a list. But if you stop at Beethoven, I might see your point. Western music hasn't stopped at Beethoven. Composers are still composing. But not out of the Germanic histrionic style. The influence of the East has been felt by many composers, even going back as far as the 1890's. I might mention a work you may find intriguing: The Persian Hours, by the French composer Charles Koechlin. Written around 1919. There is an orchestral version, but the original piano version, performed by Herbert Henck on EMI is outstanding.

Moving into the 1950's, you might be surprised by the music of the Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi, who was heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy and religion. In fact, I will be doing a program on his music on KALW (91.7 San Francisco) on May 13 at 11pm (http://rchrd.com/mfom/)

And of our own generation, I would recommend the music of John Luther Adams (who lives in Alaska and is not to be confused with John Adams, composer of Nixon in China, who lives in Berkeley). JL Adams' music is infused with the landscape of Alaska and its native peoples. Like nothing you've ever heard before.

Unfortunately, what most people claim is classical music is museum grade. There is a lot to hear. I prefer not to even use the term any more. Art music is better. And it ain't dead yet.

.

2005-05-02 22:41:57.0 -- Comments [1] ; Permalink ; Trackback.

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