When most people hear the term "classical composer," they immediately picture a bust of Beethoven—scowling, wild-haired, and very much deceased. But as contemporary artist Marti Epstein notes, being a classical composer today isn't about a specific historical style; it’s a description of how music is conceived. It’s about the solitary act of imagining a world of sound and notating it for others to bring to life.
In this post, we’ll explore the enduring legacy of the "greats," the strange habits that fueled their genius, and why the "classical" label is expanding to include voices you might not expect. The "Big Three" and the Weight of Legend classical composer
The master of counterpoint, whose work Brahms famously defended by noting that "without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind". Weird Obsessions and Unfinished Business When most people hear the term "classical composer,"
The Ghost in the Machine: What It Really Means to Be a Classical Composer Today In this post, we’ll explore the enduring legacy