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[Classic] Masterpieces of Contemporary Music
When you hear the term “contemporary music,” what kind of pieces come to mind?
Chances are, many people don’t have a clear image.
To put it simply, contemporary music is the modern version of classical music, with a broader musical range than traditional classical.
Since it’s an abstract category, thinking of it as modern classical is perfectly fine.
This time, I’ve picked out some masterpieces of contemporary music.
If you like classical music, be sure to check them out!
[Classic] Masterpieces of Contemporary Music (1–10)
La CommediaLouis Andriessen
Louis Andriessen, a composer who represents Amsterdam, is known for his highly original musicality and has been influenced by composers with a jazz background such as Igor Stravinsky, Count Basie, and Stan Kenton.
Among his works, the ever-popular La Commedia is a five-part opera created in collaboration with film director Hal Hartley.
It’s a distinctive piece in which passionate poetry is mixed with the intricate melodies of contemporary music.
The TempestThomas Adès
Thomas Adès is a London-born musician who is also active as a conductor.
He studied under Alexander Goehr and Robin Holloway, made his debut as a pianist in 1993, and soon gained renown as a composer as well.
Among his works, I especially recommend The Tempest.
This piece is one of his signature operas, based on Shakespeare’s play of the same name.
Contemporary opera tends to be quite approachable, so be sure to check it out.
The MinotaurHarrison Birtwistle
Harrison Birtwistle, a British composer known for his distinctive musical voice, is one of the leading figures in contemporary music.
His popularity stems from music that unhesitatingly embraces melody, rhythm, and repetition without relying on extended techniques.
A quintessential work of his is The Minotaur, an opera that portrays the life of the Minotaur, a half-beast figure from Greek mythology.
Among contemporary music, it’s relatively accessible, so be sure to give it a listen.
Cello ConcertoUnsuk Chin
Eunsuk Chin is a composer who represents contemporary music in South Korea.
She is a globally renowned composer, and her representative work ‘Troerinnen’ was performed by the Berlin Philharmonic.
Among her works, the one I particularly recommend is the ‘Cello Concerto.’ Scored primarily for strings and winds, it is highly striking for its unique expression that masterfully blends dissonance and consonance.
Her pieces are known for being notoriously challenging for performers, and you’ll certainly sense the overwhelming level of technical difficulty in this work as well.
HashirigakiHeiner Goebbels
Heiner Goebbels is one of Germany’s leading composers.
Known for his alternative musical style, he’s also renowned as a major figure in stage direction.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Hashirigaki.
As the Japanese title suggests, it’s contemporary music that takes Japanese music as a motif.
In any case, Goebbels’s pieces are highly distinctive, so start by giving them a listen!