Interesting Discussions

A lot of the young composers at Young Composers Music forum enjoy discussing their own views on the most influential composers of the past. Recently, one composer commented of Stravinsky that he wrote a few masterpieces and a whole lot of crap. I strongly disagreed with this. From my perspective, Stravinsky (along with Schoenberg, Ligeti, and perhaps Boulez/Stockhausen) was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. From all three of his periods, he produced amazingly original masterpieces that even today composers and musicians pour over and study. From Petrushka to The Flood, his works exemplify a unique sense of personal voice through various aesthetics of musical composition - almost unparalleled in other composers. That he was able to do this and create works that have become endearing to many listeners, musicians, and composers alike is astounding! Certainly, the influence alone is enough to ensure Stravinsky a spot in the top 5 most influential composers of all time!

Ideas and new submissions.

I sent off two works this week to two separate opportunities and I finally have a pianist to record one of my works!! I was so excited to receive that news - I admit, I almost cried. Hopefully now, I can get that submission ready and sent in by the February 16th deadline. Going to be cutting it close though! In the interim, I've started work on a new string quartet. I started the piece this evening around 3pm and have been working on it ever since (it's 4am now...lol). I must say this piece is shaping up to be a very good composition. I'm in now about 100 or so measures and am no where near completion. My idea is to have my new chamber ensemble premiere this work at our first concert. I have many other pieces ready for that date.

Another piece submitted.

Ah. Such productivity! I finished yet another work for a performance opportunity yesterday and finalized it and sent it this evening. So far now, I have sent out about 3 - 4 works. I have plenty more to send out.
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On other news, I have decided to start a chamber ensemble! I'm busy working on the plan and am about to begin networking within the Mattoon/Charleston, Illinois area in the search of musicians. My goal is to start with about 2 - 3 performances a year. First concert HOPEFULLY around May or June. First things first though: if any musicians from the Mattoon/Charleston area would like to become a part of this ensemble please leave me a comment here! I'm very eager to see what this area has to offer as far as music goes.