Who Is Your Favorite Composer…?

by Brianna Jaeger

As musicians, we often get asked the question, “Who is your favorite composer?”

And the person asking usually anticipates a response such as, “Beethoven, Bach, Liszt, or Chopin.”

I always love the look on people’s faces when I respond with, “Olivier Messiaen, Kaija Saariaho, Viktor Ullmann, or Richard Pressley.”

This typically leads to a discussion on modernist theories, avant-garde arts, and new music. I find that most people do not oppose new composers. Rather, it is simply because they have never heard of them. So how can you as a musician learn more about modern music and help teach others?

1). Research. There are endless resources online, literally at your fingertips! Earlier this year, Gramophone released an article on ‘Contemporary Classical composers you need to discover…”, featuring many prominent living composers. You can also search ASCAP, The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, to find new composers and their works.

2). Program. Plan a recital program involving at least one work by a modern or living composer. While most pieces are not in public domain, most composers are exhilarated when someone asks to learn their music, and they will personally send the music and appear for the concert date.  Spend time at that performance sharing their biography and what the piece means to you specifically.

3). Petition. Contact your local orchestras, school music educators, and nearby universities and petition for music by modern artists. Often, these musicians are not programmed as institutions tend to not see a public interest. Create a buzz!

3). Attend New Music Festivals. There are numerous ensembles and festivals specializing in new music. Ensembles such as Alarm Will Sound specialize in premiering works by living composers – and they are phenomenal!  The District New Music Coalition features ensembles in residence and an annual festival. StageFree D.C. features local artists, composers, and collaborators in their season concerts. Attend one, listen, meet people. You never know if you are shaking the hand of the next Beethoven!