My future plans are to continue to perform concerts both here and in the US and to compose for a couple of commissions that are taking shape now.
What are your favourite instruments to write music for?
Well, whatever I'm writing for at the moment is my favourite instrument to write for. But I would say that the symphony orchestra is a real favourite of mine, as is the string quartet. They are both beautifully refined formations that offer a myriad of sounds and colours. Obviously, writing for my own instrument, the flute, is important too.
Who are you listening to at the moment and is there anyone you would recommend to people who are perhaps new to classical music?
I'm often listening to classical music, such as Beethoven piano sonatas recently, or a beautiful string instrument version of the Goldberg Variations by Bach. I would suggest to new listeners that they get a few CDs of music by Bach (Double violin concerto, well tempered clavier), Beethoven (Piano Sonatas and symphonies), Mozart (Clarinet Concerto, Requiem, operas) or Brahms (Cello sonatas, First and Fourth symphonies). Those are just some suggestions that come to mind. Put them on and absorb them over time. Put them on when you are doing other things, but also give some undivided attention to them too. As to modern composers: Corigliano's Pied Piper Fantasy, Fantasy on an Ostinato; Bonet's La Pell de Brau, and Newman's American Symphony and Requiem, Dutilleux's Cello concerto and string quartet.
There is so much great music out there. Go out to concerts and listen to live music. Observe and listen to the performers and try to feel what they feel when they are playing as you listen to them up close.
ENTRE MELODIAS DE NEXOS, Conservatori del Liceu, December 10th, 8.30pm, €15. Places are limited; to book yours in advance, call 646 901 167 or mail: inf@grup21music.com
This is an extended version of an article published in the December 2009 issue of Barcelona Metropolitan magazine.
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