"Daniel Pinkham once scandalized a student at New England Conservatory with his reply to the question as to where he found his inspiration for his music. He said to the student, “Oh, you don’t understand: I am an artist! I write for money!” Well, I guess I’m also an artist, as most of the time I write because I’m being paid to do so. It’s my vocation; it’s my job. "But of course there’s much more to it than that, as no doubt Dan would’ve said had he not been playfully deflecting the most exasperating question an artist can be asked. To look at composing another way, let’s go to Robert Schumann: “People compose for many reasons — to become immortal; because the piano happened to be open; because they want to be a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; or for no reason whatsoever.” "In my own case, the desire to write music springs from a desire to connect, to communicate. It is a complex thing, I can tell you, to be an inveterate introvert from a formal New England background, yet also have a temperament marked by awkwardly unruly passion. At first I sought to connect and communicate as a performer, the music expressing emotions I would always be too self-conscious to attempt myself. However, by the end of my graduate work in performance, the unfortunate truth became evident: I have nerves of straw. There are not enough beta-blockers in the world to make me a compelling recitalist. "It gradually became clear that my work as a composer presented a much more secure means to the same end, and so I have continued. The source of my creative energy is provided by my own relationships – the loves of my life (and sometimes the rueful ex-loves), my Dalai Lama-like teachers and therapists (and sometimes their less-than-helpful counterparts), and the invaluable friendship of the gifted players and singers and conductors whose loyal support and encouragement make it possible for me to pick up my mechanical pencil every day. The act of composition is for me a triangulation: my world of relationships, my aesthetic, and finally, the piece. "For the most part, I think I succeed, and am profoundly grateful to have the chance to meet the world in this way. I use a musical language and technique which I hope is elevated enough to engage the most knowledgeable artists and listeners, yet transparent enough for enjoyment at the broad middle ground. It’s the greatest compliment I can think of to be the subject of this afternoon’s program. I know much hard work has gone into its preparation. I hope you will join me in letting Heinrich, his Merry Band, and Barbara all know how much we appreciate it. " Comments are closed.
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King's Chapel Parish Community BlogThese are the thoughts and reflections of the King's Chapel community. Categories |