Musical questions and answers thread

[Lat-Literal]

There are no 'official' composers, other than the Master's of the Queen's (King's) Music(k). Let's hope there never are.

Now if you mean the 'most representative' there's possibly room for discussion.

That is a clear reply.

I did think that Elgar had a specific status but it seems that he doesn't have.

Ditto Robert Burns.

I am happy to ask for suggestions on the most representative.

[Pabmusic]

That is a clear reply.

I did think that Elgar had a specific status but it seems that he doesn't have...

Well, here's the thing. Elgar really isn't 'representative' of any sort of national music. His style is very diverse - Mendelssohn, Schumann, Delibes, Massenet - even before you mention Brahms and (a little) Wagner. One of the historical problems has been that we've treated him as if he is representative. He was a maverick, a one-off.

RVW consciously (at least at first) tried to create 'national' style. but never took it very seriously. People who did (Rutland Boughton perhaps?) never made a lasting impression.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Some interesting posts here.
Surely in the US it is Copland and in Brazil it is Villa-Lobos?

Copland? Why not "surely" Gershwin, or Carter, or Cage, or Bernstein, or Ives?

Maybe the Europeans are less sure about this sort of thing?

Well - there are a lot more to choose from! (I mean, with the German-speaking countries, where and how do you even begin?!) And Finland probably doesn't spend much time deliberating? (Saariaho, of course )

[teamsaint]

Can I suggest the Englishman John Ireland for national composer of the Channel Islands?

[vinteuil]

... and warrabout the Dominions and the Empah?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

... and warrabout the Dominions and the Empah?

I think we should keep obscure '60s beat combos out of this Thread,

[MrGongGong]

I am happy to ask for suggestions on the most representative.

Representative of what though?

Elgar really isn't 'representative' of any sort of national music.

Spot on, even though many folks seem to think he is.

[Lat-Literal]

Great posts - thanks. The strange silence from Scotland is noted. The jury is not convinced by Boyce for Wales. I would like to suggest Turlough O'Carolan for Ireland. Copland in the US because he is in most inaugural ceremonies - and because he "just is". In Argentina it is Ginastera, of course, but that again proves my point about Europe and the rest!!!

[MrGongGong]

Great posts - thanks. The strange silence from Scotland is noted

Boards of Canada

[Lat-Literal]

Boards of Canada

Runrig.

Or the Proclaimers.

Shurely.

[MrGongGong]

Runrig.

Or the Proclaimers.

Shurely.

Or Alistair?

http://www.alistairmacdonald.co.uk

(Talisker would do nicely thanks Alistair )

[Lat-Literal]

Or Alistair?

http://www.alistairmacdonald.co.uk

(Talisker would do nicely thanks Alistair )

Don't take this the wrong way but I feel you might be related to Global Truth.

[ahinton]

Can I suggest the Englishman John Ireland for national composer of the Channel Islands?

Yes, provided that you also suggest Edward German for ditto of the Shetlands...

[ahinton]

Representative of what though?

Quote Originally Posted by Lat-Literal
Elgar really isn't 'representative' of any sort of national music.

Spot on, even though many folks seem to think he is.

Quite; never been able to see or hear it meself...

[ahinton]

Great posts - thanks. The strange silence from Scotland is noted. The jury is not convinced by Boyce for Wales. I would like to suggest Turlough O'Carolan for Ireland. Copland in the US because he is in most inaugural ceremonies - and because he "just is". In Argentina it is Ginastera, of course, but that again proves my point about Europe and the rest!!!

What about Stevenson for Scotland?