MiM quiz – Expert level / Education
Remember, this quiz is not about testing your knowledge about contemporary music. It's all about getting to know the four composers - their music, techniques, but also inspirations and private stories. We invite you to take on this challenge - discover the universe of four personalities and dive in into their music.
Creative periods - Pierre Boulez
Which work by the composer is earlier? Which is later?
The earlier one should be indicated.
Discreet use of live electronics (delay, reverb diversification) points to a later period of Pierre Boulez creations, associated with the IRCAM technology (Dialogue de l'ombre double, 1985). In the case of Le marteau sans maître (1954), the earlier date is indicated, inter alia, by the melody characteristic for the avant-garde of the 50s.
Which ones among the four composers created such ensembles?
Many contemporary composers were also performers of their own (and not only their own) music; some even founded ensembles specialising in performances of contemporary works (not only their own).
In 1976 Pierre Boulez founded Ensemble Intercontemporain – an ensemble of 31 soloists specializing in new music, which became a model for similar enterprises in France and other countries. Louis Andriessen sought to create a new type of ensembles, providing an alternative to the line-ups and modes of operation of conventional orchestras and chamber ensembles – he put his concepts into practice in Orkest de Volharding and Hoketus, which he co-founded.
With whom did the four composers study?
Arvo Pärt studied composition in Tallinn with e.g. Veljo Tormis, a composer known primarily for his choral compositions.
The eminent Italian composer Luciano Berio was young Louis Andriessen’s composition professor in 1962–1964.
In the same period, also in Paris, Olivier Messiaen conducted his famous analysis class – his broad horizons, unconventional interests and openness attracted many composers, including Pierre Boulez, who several years later became leading figures of the European avant-garde.
Nadia Boulanger (1887–1979) was a teacher of many outstanding composers, including Kazimierz Serocki, who in 1947–1948 explored the secrets of composing under her guidance thanks to a scholarship he had been granted.
20th- and 21st-century composers would often explain their composition techniques and engage in more general theoretical reflections
Many published books or articles; some conducted lectures at universities or courses, sometimes also commented on their works during encounters with non-expert audiences. But there were also those who did not comment on their oeuvres, assuming that music spoke for itself.
He published many books on music written by himself and other composers (especially 20th-century composers). In addition to educational and theoretical work addressed to specialists (composers, musicians, theorists), he devoted a lot of attention to providing comments on contemporary works for concertgoers, including young people.
He lectured in composition at conservatories and courses for young composers. He wrote one book – but he did not devote it to his own oeuvre but to the music of a composer that was artistically particularly close to him.
He did not give interviews and was reluctant to comment on his own oeuvre. He included his reflections on the foundations of his music in several hitherto unpublished lectures.
He did not write about his own music, but in interviews and numerous contributions on various occasions he said a lot about it.
Creative periods - Louis Andriessen
Which work by the composer is earlier? Which is later?
The earlier one should be indicated.
Louis Andriessen’s music is often divided into pre- and post-De Staat (1972):
- Ittrospezione III (1965) – music that fits in well with the avant-garde of the 1960s.
- Excerpt from De Materie (first part) - its characteristic features include clear pulsation, repetitions, Stravinsky and jazz influences.
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