Modern Music

In your blog post on "the shadow lurking behind every genius," I delved into the influences behind great composers' output, but you might have omitted a few noteworthy figures. While Arnold Schoenberg is widely recognized as the inventor of the series system in the early 1920s, it's essential to question whether he was truly the only one to devise chromatic methodology. Have you ever heard of Josef Hauer? Interestingly, Josef Hauer was a composer who also explored the concept of twelve-tone composition around the same time as Schoenberg. In fact, the last movement of Arnold Schönberg's Fünf Klavierstücke, Opus 23 (1923) marked the first instance of his 'Method of Composing with Twelve Tones which are related only with one another.' This method, known as serialism or dodecaphonic music, is significantly different from previous compositions because it exclusively employs a set of twelve different tones, avoiding repetition within the series and encompassing ...

Title: Unraveling Time Travel: Possibilities, Challenges, and the Path Forward The notion of a time machine may seem like an implausible sci-fi concept, but according to Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, real-life time travel holds more substance than we might imagine. While traveling forward in time is theoretically possible, journeying to the past remains a more enigmatic endeavor. Astrophysicist Eric W. Davis explores the potential of wormholes as conduits for time travel, a fascinating prospect yet beset with complexities. The challenge lies in reconciling general relativity and quantum theory to develop a quantum theory of gravity, a crucial step towards unveiling the secrets of time travel. Delve into the tantalising possibilities, intriguing challenges, and the road ahead in our quest to comprehend the mysteries of time. Wormhole Is Best Bet for Time Machine, Astrophysicist Says

Recent incidents involving activists throwing orange powder paint during the World Snooker Championship, desecrating a Van Gogh painting with a can of soup, and interrupting a Proms concert, have stirred discussions about the role of political protests in the realm of art. It leaves one pondering whether these actions can truly bring about the desired change or if they merely create disruptions without yielding meaningful results. Moreover, these incidents prompt us to consider the importance of peaceful protest as the cornerstone of a strong democracy, where tolerance for diverse views is crucial. As the highly anticipated "Dear Earth Celebration with Grounded Ecotherapy" approaches, questions arise about how protestors might respond to this unique event. Would they boycott it, stage protests, or explore alternative forms of dissent? Art, known for its innate protest spirit against the mundane, carries the power to disrupt the commonplace and challenge societal norms. With ...

Since the dawn of the twentieth century, there has been a prevailing belief that mass audiences are being driven away from what is often referred to as "modern music." But is there any truth to this notion? While it is undeniable that there is an inherent irony in music that challenges listeners, have audiences truly grown accustomed to music that is radically different? Furthermore, why does dissonant music struggle to gain traction and recognition, while the classics of the Romantic period continue to capture hearts? In this blog post, we delve into the complexities surrounding dissonance and its impact on modern music's reception by audiences. The Challenge of Dissonance: You cannot deny that there exists a certain irony in music that dares to challenge conventional expectations. Audiences have become accustomed to a wide range of musical styles, often embracing the idea that "anything goes" in the realm of music. However, it is important to note that the mo...

Have you ever noticed the intriguing resemblance between Toru Takemitsu's "Rain Spell" and Pierre Boulez's "Derive"? It's quite astonishing to think that Boulez composed his work merely a year after Takemitsu's piece premiered in Japan. Could it be possible that Boulez had heard Takemitsu's work before creating "Derive"? We may never have concrete answers. Yet, it is not uncommon for two individuals to independently explore similar ideas without knowledge of each other's endeavors. The most striking connection lies in the instrumentation of Takemitsu's "Rain Spell": Flute, Clarinet, Harp, Piano, and Vibraphone. Boulez's "Derive" follows a similar path with flute, clarinet in A, vibraphone, piano, violin, and cello. The notable difference lies in the addition of violin and cello, perhaps to achieve a balanced string timbre. While the harp serves as an intermediary instrument in Takemitsu's work, the pi...

Once Upon a Time   James Dillon Once Upon a Time...Ircam When the premiere of a work called ‘Once Upon a Time’ at the Huddersfield Festival of 1980,  James Dillon was immediately thrust centre stage.   Hitherto, James Dillon's success had been variable.   Mainly learning his craft in libraries rather than formal institutions and without the prospect of a performance at the end, many of his early pieces were left incomplete.   The first substantial work Babble (1974-6) was a brief glimpse of things to come.   Although now James Dillon disregards the rigorous architectural design in which everything 'is mapped out despite the material'.   After the first section was rehearsed by the newly formed Charles Ives Choir who were perplexed by some of the graphic notation, the work was abandoned.    His momentary interest in serialism in ‘Dillug-Kefitsah’ (1976) encouraged James Dillon to examine the seemingly paradoxical notion of a...

'Chamber Piece I' is one of my first major compositions. Even though, there are obvious influences from Claude Debussy’s “La Prelude d’une Faune ” and the pounding chords of Igor Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring”, none of these references are used in their original form. The music has been mentally absorbed and regenerated in this work. The individuality of this piece can be seen in its use of thematic material. Despite the fact that this piece was totally unplanned, it has a carefully crafted structure. Virtually all of the material is derived from the initial flute theme. Also, the transparency of the orchestration has a delicacy that is in my opinion somewhat unique. Although this could never be referred to as one of my 'mature' compositions, it is one of the earliest works that made it possible for me to take a vital step forward as a composer. Chamber Piece I

Harmonio This is my first completed, full-scale orchestral work. (2016 version) Musical ideas derived from the opening theme are developed throughout the rest of the work. The opening motifs are also significant to the structure of the composition; they indicate the start of new sections. However, unlike most of my other contemporary music, it is written without a pre-planned form. The main intention of this work is to explore how subtle orchestral timbres can be deployed to create a tense and dramatic atmosphere. ‘Harmonio’ is a term that I have created to indicate ‘harmonic resonance’ - an orchestral technique that produces subtle changes of timbre. Layering certain pitches on top of each other causes a particular reverberation; a harmonic disturbance which is intended to produce sympathetic vibrations. http://ianwmoore.com/ Harmonio on Spotify Harmonio on Deezer Harmonio on Napster Harmonio on iTunes eBook score: Harmonio @ iBookstore ...

Narcissistic II I am a composer who doesn't mind you seeing his music before it is finished.   Both 'Narcissistic I' and 'Harmonio' are undergoing extensive revisions. Sketch for orchestra is a short extract of a recent composition called "Narcissistic".  The original work began a few years ago.   It marks a significant change in the direction of my music.  Until recently, I have been writing chamber music (including a lot of solo instrumental pieces). Now, I have decided to mainly write for orchestra. This is a challenging decision because the economic situation at the moment means that it is incredibly difficult to get orchestral music performed. I already have two pieces of music that has yet to be performed, ("Transcience" and "La Cloche Felee") and they are nearly twenty years old. The thought of writing more music that is never played is an unwelcome one. The transition hasn't been easy either. Writing chamber mus...

Populism has been described as Bound up with the populist concern for the musical education of  ‘the masses’  (through reference to  ‘their’  folk-music genres)  were topical social and political ideologies,  chiefly nationalism and later,  at the start of the twentieth century,  evolutionism,  which influenced the composers’  selection of folk-music themes for their pedagogical works and were clearly evident in their explanatory literature about this music .   ( Rhoda Dullea) I doubt if many English people could name a folk tune that wasn't Scottish or Irish.

'Percussion' Version. Initially, I intended to write a series of biographical ‘incidents’ outlining significant events in my life. But then, it turned into an observation about the whole concept of self-image.  Many of us are familiar with the story of Narcissus. The young man who saw his own reflection in the water and fell in love with it, not realising it was merely an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, he lost his will to live. He stared at his reflection until he died.   This is how Elan Golomb (Trapped In The Mirror) views the narcissistic personality. “-They unconsciously deny an unstated and intolerably poor self-image through inflation. They turn themselves into glittering figures of immense grandeur surrounded by psychologically impenetrable walls. The goal of this self-deception is to be impervious to greatly feared external criticism and to their own rolling sea of doubts - ”   It ends with a de-constructed the...

Palette de Couleur et de Lumiere The concept of a palette of instrumental colour and timbre is derived from deepest aesthetic principles of the work.    The choice of instruments are essential to the colouristic balance of the work. Glockenspiel                                              Vibraphone Bongos                                                      Congas Tom-toms                   ...