Overview

American composers are at the forefront of a renaissance in concert music, in the process expanding the very definition of the category. The impact of digital technology on the creative process and the unprecedented diversity of contemporary composers are arguably among the catalysts driving the rebirth. In this series of personal interviews with some of the most prominent composers of art music currently working on the American music scene, composer and educator Robert Raines leads the intimate conversations through subjects ranging from the source of inspiration to work habits, the realities of the business of music, and the impact of technology on music and life in the 21st century. The musicians who participated in these conversations are as different from one another as might be imagined, both in styles of music and approaches to life and art, resulting in a series of stories that offer a kaleidoscopic view of the many paths to creativity, yet a common thread that runs through the interviews is the passionate artistic drive that is shared by all. The inspirational stories of struggles and successes, told in the artists' own words and distinctively framed by their individual personalities - humorous, curmudgeonly, serious, serene, and playful by turns - is a delightful and thought-provoking journey full of personal insights, advice, and sharp observations on composing music in a changing, technology-driven world. A loving homage to the artistic spirit, this book is a must-read for students of composition, professors and scholars of music, composers and aspiring composers, and anyone interested in the subjective process of writing music. This rich and entertaining collection provides a unique glimpse into the workings of the creative spirit in the digital age.

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9780199357031

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Reviews

What a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on personal conversations with such a diverse and impressive group of American composers. Robert Raines masterfully engages each artist to share insights, reflections, and experiences -- a collection that will surely change how you view contemporary composition. --Darla S. Hanley, PhD, Dean of the Professional Education Division, Berklee College of Music This fascinating book will make a valuable addition to a course in contemporary music for music majors and non-majors alike, as well as a springboard for one-on-one discussion in the composition studio. --Peter Spencer, DMA, Professor Emeritus, Music Theory and Composition, Florida State University [E]specially useful for those who wish to learn more about 21st-century music. A good resource for those interested in the intersection of creativity and technology. --Choice

What a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on personal conversations with such a diverse and impressive group of American composers. Robert Raines masterfully engages each artist to share insights, reflections, and experiences a collection that will surely change how you view contemporary composition. This fascinating book will make a valuable addition to a course in contemporary music for music majors and non-majors alike, as well as a springboard for one-on-one discussion in the composition studio. Peter Spencer, DMA, Professor Emeritus, Music Theory and Composition, Florida State University

""What a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on personal conversations with such a diverse and impressive group of American composers. Robert Raines masterfully engages each artist to share insights, reflections, and experiences -- a collection that will surely change how you view contemporary composition.""--Darla S. Hanley, PhD, Dean of the Professional Education Division, Berklee College of Music ""This fascinating book will make a valuable addition to a course in contemporary music for music majors and non-majors alike, as well as a springboard for one-on-one discussion in the composition studio.""--Peter Spencer, DMA, Professor Emeritus, Music Theory and Composition, Florida State University ""[E]specially useful for those who wish to learn more about 21st-century music. A good resource for those interested in the intersection of creativity and technology.""--Choice

Author Information

As a composer, musician, educator, and creative director, Robert's career has spanned both music and visual arts, creating award- winning work in both fields. Raised in New York City's Greenwich Village by parents who were active in the arts, he was immersed in music, theater, literature, and the visual arts from an early age. His experience includes working for a number of years as a guitarist and composer in New York City, producing as well as performing on many recordings of jazz, blues, and popular music. He now composes full time and has written for theater and film in addition to concert music.

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