Interviews with musicians, composers and conductors
Tonal, with a hint of, ‘what just happened?’ I like raising eyebrows, but also tapping feet. Rhythm is key, and the interplay between musicians trying to keep up with it
Who or what inspired you to take up composing, and pursue a career in music? My life in the composition field was born during my
Love composition enough to want to do it whether you get paid or not. Have friends or pupils who are happy to perform it. Value and reflect on your life experiences, whether happy or painful, because whether music appears to be programmatic or abstract, it is all the product of experiences that are deeply felt, as much as of individual gifts.
Do it for the right reasons, and be sure it’s what you really want to do because it isn’t easy. Then absolutely go for it. Despite many messages you’ll receive to the contrary, it is a worthwhile thing to be an artist, both personally and for society as a whole.
I admire great singers who are also great musicians, such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau whose every performance is a masterpiece! Ian Bostridge and Anne Sofie von Otter offer countless nuances and a strong statement. Listening to Emma Kirkby is an aesthetic experience and Anthony Rolfe Johnson’s work is moving and so full of emotion. My favourite conductor is Simon Rattle.
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