best 21st century classical

Can you write a classic or does it become a classic some time after?

I rather enjoyed the Ades piano quintet (which I think was the last five years). I was at the world premier of Richard Ayres opera the Cricket Recovers a year ago which was wonderful. However, I think classical music is hard to judge so close to the fact.

regards, Tam

I enjoy the Ades too [the recording coupled with the Schubert].

As for judging close to the fact, I can only measure things in terms of my own experience. For instance, I only heard, listened to, the Schubert Lieder for the first time about three years ago. Thus for me they are newer than some 21st century music.

I am sorry if I have mislead, I wasn't asking anyone to predict what will be designated a "classic". I was more after sharing new classical music that people enjoyed

SJ

Dear Stephen,

I see better what you're asking for now. Since you're in London, and enjoyed the Ades, you might like to give Powder Her Face a go (his first, I think, opera), which he is performing in concert with the LSO on Thursday (though, I have to say that I haven't heard it, but what I have heard of his I have liked).

I'm reasonably fond of Adams - I was especially impressed by the Death of Klinghoffer at last summer's Edinburgh festival (though that was written circa 1990) - there is a very good recording, conducted by Nagano in Lyon and I think there is also a DVD available. I'm also rather enjoyed his 9/11 piece (On the Transmigration of Souls) which is available with the NYPO and Maazel at budget price (the piece is only about 25 minutes long). I'm really curious to see his new opera about Oppenheimer called Doctor Atomic which premiered in San Francisco recently (and I believe is coming to Amsterdam next year).

A few years back I picked up a disc (on Chandos) of Per Nørgård's 6th symphony and another piece (which were composed fairly recently) conducted by Dausgaard and the Danish Radio symphony orchestra - I would imagine if you seek it out on Chandos's site you'll be able to hear some samples.

Lastly, Glenn was raving here recently about a series of concerts he went to at the LA Phil which had a minimalist theme and several of those concerts are now available (as downloads only) from iTunes as part of the DG Concerts series.

regards, Tam

Raver here. It's not really good to put a definite time stamp on what's new century and old century as tehre is a transition. I did like lots of those minimalist pieces but I guess that movement is end of old century. However, I feel Adams' Naive and Sentemental Music is a huge symphonic work in the vien of Rite of Spring. A thrill to listen to.

I just got back from a new opera Grendel about the Beowolf story from the monster's point of view. It was fabulous, very surreal in all aspects. Julie Taymore (Lion King) did the staging and costumes were wonderful as well as special effects. Music was by her partner Elliot Goldenthal, nice coloration, variation and perfect dramatic pitch. This is a keeper and I'd go see it again. It moves to New York Met next season. I"m sure it'll be in Europe after that. Hope it gets to Edinburg.

Dear Glenn,

I hope it makes it out here (though Edinburgh tends to be a little conservative).

However, your post reminds me of your rather good minimalism thread which Stephen might enjoy reading (and I will add to the next revision of my 'classical threads worth reading' list.

regards, Tam

My own life long experience as a musician/composer with an intense interest in musicology (which, in my view, includes, de facto, what is ethnocentrically called "ethnomusicology" aka. "world music") leads me to take a very liberal view of contemporary classical music. I believe all materials, all genres should be available to the composer, and what's crucial is organization.

Actually, this view has been common in the classical world for many decades considering composers like Steve Reich, John Adams, George Crumb, Glenn Branca, Arvo Part, Philip Glass, etc.

Given this filter, I propose that one particular piece might stand the test of time:



Composed by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays.

A single 68 minute composition that weaves various genres, elements, and colors in a rigorously composed fantasia. Fellow composers Eberhard Weber and Steve Reich are acknowledged in the liner notes, which gives an idea of the flavor.

Fred

Just heard Augusta Read Thomas's Astral Canticle (world premiere series of concerts, I think) Saturday night - very, very thought-provoking. Even with very limited funds, I woul like a recoring.

Regards.

Phil

quote:

Pat Metheny

with that kind of description I had to oreder it
I'll let you know what I think after it arrives
many thanks
SJ

quote:

Originally posted by stephenjohn:

quote:

Pat Metheny

with that kind of description I had to oreder it
I'll let you know what I think after it arrives
many thanks
SJ

Please do … would love to know what you think.

Fred

quote:

Originally posted by stephenjohn:
I've become convinced Peter Maxwell Davies 6th Naxos string quartet is absolutely fantastic.

I entirely agree; the first two are also pretty special.

EW

EW you were responsible for me trying them again, and again. They didn't grab me at first. Thank you, perseverance paid off with wonderful enjoyment.
SJ

Disappointing mystery!

The Amazon box arrived in a Post Office envelope apologising for damaging my pachage. It looked undamaged but when I opened it I discovered it was empty, well there was the invioce in it but no Pat Metheny CD. The Post Office chap I spoke to [after a number of recorded messages] says I can claim for it.

Dithering now.

SJ