Is the Symphony as an Art Form Dead?

[Suffolkcoastal]

Segerstam's symphonies are kind of composed in outline only as a lot of it is aleatoric. The dozen or so I've now heard sound much the same as each other.

I could compose a symphony and have always wanted to, but it would need to be commissioned to allow me the time to do it.

[Petrushka]

Great stuff everybody! I now find I've heard one or two of those in message 15 (but not many) and even met one of the composers at a pre-Prom talk (Julian Anderson).

So the symphony may not be dead but is it being heard?

[teamsaint]

Segerstam's symphonies are kind of composed in outline only as a lot of it is aleatoric. The dozen or so I've now heard sound much the same as each other.

I could compose a symphony and have always wanted to, but it would need to be commissioned to allow me the time to do it.

thought of crowdfunding, Suffy?

its the modern way.

only it's a very old publishing model of course.

[Alison]

Am sure there's an app for that, Edge!

[Alison]

David Owen-Norris has recently written a symphony.

Not sure if this changes the answer.

[Suffolkcoastal]

I'm more concerned that Michael Nyman 'composes' symphonies, the stuff of symphonic nightmares!

[EdgeleyRob]

Am sure there's an app for that, Edge!

Well chuck,I have a plan-
I've got a basic grasp of music theory now.
Been reading up on orchestration (I am in temporary possession of a book on the subject by Walter Piston doncha know)
Need to buy a piano when I retire,and learn how to play it so I can try out my ideas.
Watch this space

[Beef Oven!]

I'm more concerned that Michael Nyman 'composes' symphonies, the stuff of symphonic nightmares!

A lot of people like Nyman's work. Not my cup of tea - except the odd work, here and there (from a while back).

[Suffolkcoastal]

Well chuck,I have a plan-
I've got a basic grasp of music theory now.
Been reading up on orchestration (I am in temporary possession of a book on the subject by Walter Piston doncha know)
Need to buy a piano when I retire,and learn how to play it so I can try out my ideas.
Watch this space

I'm available to teach composition when you're ready ER

[pastoralguy]

I reckon that, unless a symphony is a direct commission from an orchestra that intends to perform it, then one can write all the symphonies one likes but if no one is going to play them then it's a pointless exercise. As a composer grows in reputation, then he/she might be commissioned to write one but it's probably a dead loss for an up and coming composer. At least a chamber work or song cycle stands a chance of being performed.

And, even if a symphony is commissioned and performed, its chances of entering the repertoire is probably very low. The economic situation at the moment probably precludes orchestras from taking risks.

[Suffolkcoastal]

Perhaps if the commission was for a smaller orchestra, it would be more tempting. Mind you, take away the inflated percussion sections of many contemporary works for orchestra, many contemporary composers would probably struggle.

[Alison]

Malcolm Arnold 9 a major influence but EdgeleyRob very much his own man.

I can see the reviews now.

[EdgeleyRob]

I'm available to teach composition when you're ready ER

I might just take you up on that sc,if I ever get my early retirement approved

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Perhaps if the commission was for a smaller orchestra, it would be more tempting. Mind you, take away the inflated percussion sections of many contemporary works for orchestra, many contemporary composers would probably struggle.

Or, "Mind you, take away the inflated string sections of many Nineteenth Century works for orchestra, many Nineteenth Century composers would have probably struggled".

Not sure what the point of your comment was, Suffy.

[Lat-Literal]

2000s - Australia:

Can we add Broadstock's No 5 (Dark Side) - 2002? - to Suffy's Broadstock 6?

Also - Philip Bračanin - Symphony No 4 (2006) and Carl Vine - Symphony No 7 - Scenes from Daily Life (2008)?