New books and films by serious authors are taken seriously. Why are modern composers ignored?

Question

New books and films by serious authors get a lot of coverage, but premieres of new works by serious modern composers are all but ignored, compared to the wash of hype given to a new album by a group of kids from Sheffield, for example (nothing against Sheffield, I assure you!) But ask many pop musicians (I have worked with many) what they aspire to, and they'll say they'd love to write a symphony! But new symphonic works by modern composers are all but ignored. Why?
Marcus Tristan Heathcock (Composer-in-Residence, St Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra Klassika)

Answer 1

Sadly new music is considered elitist and also boring by many. the length of a symphony does not allow it to fit into peoples busy lives. It's just not sexy and hard to promote to even the fans - in general people are worried there wont be any good tunes in it and that it might be overtly political. Symphonies in my opinion have to be beautiful. People fear they wont 'understand' it so perhaps if composers were not seen as intellectual it might help. I wish that Shostakovitch had written a 'Trans Siberian railway symphony'.... For a start you have all the wonderful rhythms of a massive train, you will be taken on a journey, there's all the incredible scenery, weather and cultures on the way - in other words a perfect subject to inspire great music.
Getting an orchestra to actually play (and rehearse) a symphony is a costly and time consuming affair.
The last symphony to do well in this world was Gorecki's 3rd.
Perhaps film music can help - the Lord of the rings symphony for example. The soundtrack of Star Wars is practically a symphony!
I myself enjoy the symphonies of Sir Peter Maxwell Davis but I can understand why other people don't.
I often ask the question - will the world of today ever create something to equal Beethoven's 5th? Is it possible to create great wonderful tunes that will burn into all our minds and live from generation to generation? I guess that's where you composers come in.

Answer 2

First and foremost, agents and publishers consider the work rather than the author, and if you are an exceptionally talented 13yr old then your youth might actually work in your favour. Get a copy of The Writers and Artists Yearbook- this is annual publication which lists all publishers and agents, and sometimes submission guidelines. Also, subscribe to Writers News- this is a monthly magazine that provides lots of industry tips- I found my publisher through it. It's important to bear in mind that it is very, very difficult to get published, but if you keep trying then you WILL eventually get your break. It took me five years worth of practise to write anything that somebody else considered worthy. I don't mind- I consider the time spent as an apprenticeship, and some of the fun has gone now that I know that I can make money doing something that I had previously done for pleasure. Don't PAY anybody to read your work- reputable agents and publishers do this for free, and if you work is close but no cigar, then they will provide some constructive criticism. Also, never, EVER give your work away just so that you can get a publishing credit. S.E. Hinton was 18 when she did 'Rumblefish', so you are not too young at all. Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm not a music historian or a composer, but I believe that this travesty occurs because of popular demand. Inane, forgettable pop hits sells, which is why they get all the press.

I think that perhaps, the popular "real" composers of today are film composers, as their music is displayed through a very easily digested medium - movies. They definitely get coverage. Look at John Williams. I started buying original score soundtrack CD's way before it became popular, and everyone thought I was crazy.

I think the legendary classical composers back in the day became famous in their own time, as their music was "in" at the time. Composers of today whose genre of music isn't popular are doomed to only be appreciated by the aficionados. However, I believe that many things are cyclical, so I think there will be a time when - as you say, serious - composers will get the attention that they deserve.

I'm sure pop artists would love to write a symphony, as that is quite an accomplishment and proves that he is a real musician, well versed in music theory as well as possessing a rare talent. Not many pop artists have that, as talented as they may be (I'm a huge Beatlemaniac and none of them had any serious music theory background).

That's my opinion. I play music, can write and draw and paint, but can't compose. What a wonderful talent to have!!

Answer 4

It's not so much a case of people being ignored, more a case of the music not being so popular. If you take works such as Shakespeare, people still read them because they are considered classic yet when reading a book on the weekend you would be far more likely to pick up a Stephen King. This means that like musicians, authors are often pushed aside if they try and reproduce the feeling of something like Shakespeare. It's about what is popular in mordern culture and lets face it, symphonic works are no longer popular.

Answer 5

Look at what music exists around you. If it cannot be taken seriously, what are the chances any of your audience is?

I am more country and rock, but agree it is frustrating that the arts are a joke to many.

Seems you have to have a pop album break before the real art can come through.

Answer 6

I do not know anything about any famous modern composers. I'd much rather get me some of that Bright Eyes or Polyphonic Spree, thanks.