Article Abstract:
Radio 3's 'Sounding the Century' series, which will run from Feb 1997 until the end of 1999 and present an overview of 20th century music, should not be partial, according to composer George Benjamin, who has been given overall responsibility for selecting the pieces which will make up the series. However, it must have character and flavour, and will necessarily leave out some elements which some observers will consider important. There are diverse streams in 20th century music, with common conventions having broken down.
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Article Abstract:
Composer James MacMillan acknowledges that he may have been working too hard since the first performance of his opera 'Ines de Castro' in Aug 1996. He is to go on a retreat to a Benedictine monastery, and will try to improve relations with his children. He composes very quickly, but during the composing process is aware that he has to work hard to bring out particular ideas. He has been in great demand, but some pieces he has composed simply because he wanted to.
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There are always new discoveries to make in composing, according to Colin Matthews, even in later life. He moved towards minimalism in the 1970s, but has generally focused on pluralism, rejecting New Music. His music combines a range of different forms, but draws particular inspiration from Mahler. Other elements include humanism and modernism. He is currently planning a comic opera.
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