Charles Wuorinen

Tim Page provides a brief bio on Charles Wuorinen

Wuorinen comments on the notion that there isn't an audience for contemporary music. He says the situation isn't as bleak as it is made out to be. And, music is the hardest of the arts to grasp because it is always has a fixed deadline for consumption by the public. He says a performance is not something that can be owned, like a painting. Wuorinen believes there has been an increase in interest in all kinds of new music, not so much pop, but "the more elevated types of contemporary music."

Wuorinen still composes electronic music but does not believe that it will replace conventional instruments. It remains easier, cheaper and more fun to get interesting sounds from a performer or performers than a machine. He was trying to make the point that"it is the undesirable thing to produce a work that exists in only one sonic realization," -- that it can never be reinterpreted. Wuorinen says composers still only provide very general instructions to performers and, that they expect and want a wide variety of interpretations. Wuorinen also comments on whether he sees a connection to the music we listen to now and early music.

Wuorinen's Percussion Symphony is played by the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble conducted by the composer.

Wuorinen's advice to young composers: Don't be original - different from everyone else. No point worrying about that. Write as much as possible and always try to be paid. Music literacy is necessary. Absorb as much as possible.

WNYC archives id: 8899