As such a broad-based prof (composer, poet and even more) when Hamel, along with allies, offers his thoughts on a subject close to my heart, I can't help but run to the bookstore (fortunately, there was one that ordered without my purchase guarantee, because hey, imagine if it turns out to be a dry fact summary).
And well, of course I could have bought blind and trusted my intuition: the self-appointed vocabulary fetishist grabbed me after a few lines. Here speaks a connoisseur and expert. Book just bought, bit started in and already ticked off a few 'thoughts to remember'.
This research (initiated by Codarts University Rotterdam) is bound to become my 2016 spring bible. In other words, the book to be dragged everywhere for stolen hours, pre-planned food-for-the-mind moments and more.
While browsing, words and phrases like these make me increasingly curious:
- bowing as martyr or triumphant
- not putting on silly hats, but increasing and refining the theatrical zone of musicianship
- executor as owner
Text, design and form excite. Something that now happens too little in many classical concerts (or art music as Hamel writes).
In short, this will keep me busy for a while, so just get it yourself. This book.
- For (music) makers who want to take some notice of findings from a resourceful polymath.
- For music organisers, programme compilers.
- For anyone who feels connected to contemporary art music.
A suivre!