I’m interested in why there isn’t a parallel track of new music for orchestral instruments which is written for the general public. Admittedly, there’s movie music, but that seems very limited compared to what’s possible if there were original compositions.
I’m interested in why there isn’t a parallel track of new music for orchestral instruments which is written for the general public
There is. In fact most new orchestral music falls into this category. (The advanced stuff is difficult to perform and is generally only done by elite orchestras.) It just doesn’t have the same prestige as the old classics or the new advanced stuff.
But seriously, if you go to a concert by your local orchestra, there will often be a premiere of a new piece by some local composer which will sound like band music written for orchestra. (Unless your local orchestra is the New York Philharmonic or something. But even then, most new music will tend to be on the conservative side—people such as Rouse or Harbison, rather than Babbitt or Ferneyhough.)
Is it possible that it has less prestige because it just isn’t as likable for most people as the many sorts of competing music?
Usually it’s plenty “likable”, it just isn’t particularly impressive.
I’m interested in why there isn’t a parallel track of new music for orchestral instruments which is written for the general public. Admittedly, there’s movie music, but that seems very limited compared to what’s possible if there were original compositions.
There is. In fact most new orchestral music falls into this category. (The advanced stuff is difficult to perform and is generally only done by elite orchestras.) It just doesn’t have the same prestige as the old classics or the new advanced stuff.
Recommend some pieces and/or composers?
Is it possible that it has less prestige because it just isn’t as likable for most people as the many sorts of competing music?
Not particularly. :-)
But seriously, if you go to a concert by your local orchestra, there will often be a premiere of a new piece by some local composer which will sound like band music written for orchestra. (Unless your local orchestra is the New York Philharmonic or something. But even then, most new music will tend to be on the conservative side—people such as Rouse or Harbison, rather than Babbitt or Ferneyhough.)
Usually it’s plenty “likable”, it just isn’t particularly impressive.
OK, it’s likable, but it isn’t lovable. Any theories about the shortage of lovable new music for orchestra?
We do not currently live in a culture where the most impressive new music has broad appeal.