Omtrent Boulez
Radical renewers
Mar 28 2015
Continuing along the old paths was not an option in their view. However, they cherished the heritage of Debussy and Ravel: these composers were likewise continually in search of new harmonies and timbres. According to Boulez one can hear ‘the awakening of modern music’ in Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune. Boulez went on to create this modern music himself – and just like Debussy and Ravel he drew his inspiration from Stéphane Mallarmé’s spaced-out style of poetry. At the same time Stockhausen was composing Refrain, a work featuring an opulent percussion part, which was considered highly exotic at the time. Now, yet another half a century has passed and we can ask ourselves which of these composers is actually the most exotic, adventurous and modern. Modern-day ears are more receptive and attuned than ever. All the works featured in this programme live up to Debussy’s vision of ‘free, dynamic music with constantly shifting colours, forms and rhythms.’
Artists