Contemporary music is often reputedly difficult. But anyone who approaches it with an open-mind is immediately struck by the incredible richness of sound, colours and impressions that contemporary composers have explored. If you're still a bit confused and need some guidance for your first steps in this vast territory, you will find here An Introduction to contemporary music, as well as interviews with specialist performers and composers to witness the vitality of contemporary music today.
An introduction to contemporary music...
Introduction to Contemporary Music 1: The Young Generation
In the first of a four-part series, Peter Reynolds looks at different strands in contemporary music with a focus on composers in the immediate here and now. This week he writes about five composers now in their 30s and 40s, all writing very different kinds of music.
Introduction to Contemporary Music 3: Cutting-Edge Heavyweights
In the third of a four-part series, Peter Reynolds looks at different strands in contemporary music with a focus on composers in the immediate here and now. This week he looks at five composers whose music occupies the challenging end of the spectrum.
Introduction to Contemporary Music 2: The Minimalists
In the second of a four-part series, Peter Reynolds looks at different strands in contemporary music with a focus on composers in the immediate here and now. This week he writes about five composers who have, in different ways, attracted the label “minimalist”.
Introduction to Contemporary Music 4: Rugged Individuals
In the last of a four-part series, Peter Reynolds looks at different strands in contemporary music with a focus on composers in the immediate here and now. This week he looks at five composers whose approach to music is utterly individual.
Articles and interviews
“Not a political composer": John Adams
Taking time out from working on his new opera, Girls of the Golden West, which premières in San Francisco later this year, we spoke to John Adams about politics, Scheherazade.2 and where he sees the future for classical music.
Remembering the legacy of Pauline Oliveros
“Music is a multi-dimensional, dynamic process unfolding as a relationship between an individual or a group of individuals, and sound vibrations.
Challenges of contemporary composition: Amos Elkana
Amos Elkana is at the crossroad of many genres and styles. We ask him about the challenges faced today by contemporary composers, and his reflections about his own technique.
Keeping the Boulez spirit alive
Daniel Barenboim inaugurated last month the Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin. The most interesting feature of the hall lies not in its flowing architecture, but rather in its name: the Pierre Boulez Saal. One year after the French composer death, what is his legacy?
A guide to contemporary music festivals
There are plenty of occasions to hear Beethoven's symphonies or Mozart's operas throughout the year. But what about the 21st century repertoire? Contemporary music lovers often find it hard to quench their thirst for new music. Thankfully, some festivals specialise in contemporary music, giving to everyone the opportunity to drink their fill.
Top 10 Living Women Composers
According to online showcase/podcast Listening to Ladies, during the 2015–2016 season, the top 89 symphony orchestras in the US dedicated only 2% of their programs to music composed by women.
John Constable, London Sinfonietta: interview
We kick off our interviews series with John Constable, London Sinfonietta Emeritus Principal Piano.
Enno Senft, London Sinfonietta: interview
We continue our interviews series with Enno Senft, the London Sinfonietta's Principal Double Bass.
Jagdish Mistry, Ensemble Modern: interview
We continue our interviews series with Jagdish Mistry, violinist at the Ensemble Modern.
Want to read more? Check out Bachtrack Composer Project for interviews with established leading figures and emerging voices.
Upcoming eventsSee more...
KrakowOn the beginning of the music career
Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Ravel, Shostakovich, Skoryk
Alina Shevchenko; Olena Mayboroda; Bohdana Senyura
KilkennySchubert: The Great C Major & Shepherd on the Rock
Schubert, Widmann
Irish Chamber Orchestra; Ailish Tynan
Latest reviewsSee more...
An exotic banquet to savour from Les Siècles
It was truly magnifique to welcome French period instrument orchestra Les Siècles and François-Xavier Roth to the BBC Proms for a highly perfumed programme of exotic sweetmeats.
Uchida plays to her strengths in Salzburg
On a warm summer's evening in Mozart's home city, Japanese master pianist Dame Mitsuko Uchida delivered a delicately crafted solo recital.
Turnage's Hibiki receives European première
As a composer, what do you do when you are commissioned a full-length orchestral work to commemorate the anniversary of a renowned concert hall? Do you try to write something celebratory? Not in Mark-Anthony Turnage's case.