Writing for Now

Something has gone wrong with uploading my show recordings to the server, so now my minimalist binge from early this semester is the only thing up… I really do play more than just minimalism, though, so stay tuned this coming semester!  Until then, I highly recommend the Early Minimalism show from a few posts down… I think I did a pretty good job with that one.  And Einstein on the Beach is pretty great, too, although I didn’t say a lot that show, so maybe that’s even better.  See you in a few weeks!

Today I play highlights from the catalog of New World Records, which releases consistently amazing works by incredible American composers.

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We spend the whole show listening to only a fraction of Philip Glass’ incredible, 5-hour minimalist opera, Einstein on the Beach.

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We listen to some awesome pieces by this semi-minimalist composer.

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Tonight we listen to the beginnings of the most important musical movement in the second half of the 20th century.  From Terry Riley’s In C, what many consider the first minimalist piece, to some austere, formal works by Philip Glass and Steve Reich, we explore the early developments of these composers.

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Today we listen to one of the more accessible, but still pretty thorny, 20th century composers.  You’ve probably heard some of his pieces in some mubis!

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New World Records is the greatest thing that has happened to American composition in the 20th century or ever.  Their staff of only 8 people consistently probe the depths of obscurity to release interesting, challenging, and incredible new releases that are unavailable anywhere else.  Every cd in their catalogue is a true diamond in the rough.  Read about them here.

Today we listen to the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, who has one of the most interesting backstories of any composer!  Stalin says listen!

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Not all Christian music is written by those guys who want you to come to their Bible study on the quad Tuesday afternoons.  Actually, I bet they haven’t even heard of these great pieces by Messiaen and Penderecki, both very devout Catholics.

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Today we listen to the music of John Adams, who is lumped into the category of minimalism, although not entirely rightfully.  We listen to pieces that show why he should be considered minimalist as well as talk about why he shouldn’t.

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