Discussion on: Piano Sonata no.1 by Pierre Boulez.

The students shared opposing views of enjoying the constant surprise of the music, and not understanding its seeming unpredictability. The articulation difficulties of the piece was discussed particularly the crossing of hands in difficult rhythms which test the limits of pianistic technique. The group examined the meaning of Sonata form in the piece and making sense of the 'unfamiliar' language. The piece was written at a time (1946) when composers needed to break free of the lyrical structures of composers such as Strauss and the piece must be seen in the context of making a fresh start after the violence of the Second World War. We cannot view the composition in a vacuum. The durability of the music was discussed, but Boulez as an influential composer cannot be challenged and his place in the history of 20th Century music is assured.

Discussion on: 'Three sketches' by Jonathan Harvey.

The question of learning such a piece was uppermost in the students mind and the importance of structured practice was highlighted. Topics begun via e-mail including the improvised feel of the piece and the meaning of improvisation in the context of new music were revisited. The link with Jazz or Rock improvisation seemed most importantly to be the energy of the piece and the build up of tension, rather than other aspects.

The Question of Audience Reaction to New Music

Students were initially convinced that familiarity with New Music would be essential for an audience to attend such a concert. Would an audience perceive the content of the concert too intellectual and of limited appeal? This led to an interesting discussion on the role of the media in the promotion of New Music. We live in a society where money and ratings are important and producers don't take 'risks'!

(In fact EAE is happy to report that 80+ people attended the concert)

How a New Music concert is presented is therefore of crucial importance and performers/composers have a responsibility here. The advent of new media developments such as the use of the Internet was important and it is important for promoters of New music not to be left behind.

After a practical demonstration on the use of the middle pedal which had quite understandably created interest, the subject of instrumental technique was addressed with particular reference to the performance of New music. Contemporary music extends the exploration of the instrument in a way which a repertoire solely of more traditional music would not allow. New music is infinitely variable, including developments through Electro-acoustic Music, and to have a wide repertoire of contemporary music pieces addresses all aspects of being a performer.

Finally there was a open question session which included discussion of pieces which involve the New Music performer in seemingly impossible music and developing 'coping' strategies to convey the composers' intentions as in the Sonata for 'cello by Zimmerman, played in the concert.

Click here for images taken of the performers during open rehearsal.