The unpredictable world of Gerald Barry
The Dutch National Touring Opera went on tour in October 2025 with their production Second Love, a double bill featuring the operas The Stronger by Gerald Barry (photo) and Hagar by Jan-Peter de Graaff.
In this episode of Contemporary Music we put both composers — who represent two different worlds — in the spotlight. The Irishman Barry, who once studied with Peter Schat (and later with Stockhausen and Kagel), is a master of unpredictability. His music is as cryptic as it is elusive, perhaps that is exactly why it is so captivating. The work of the Dutch composer De Graaff is more accessible and consistently demonstrates great craftsmanship.
Playlist
- Gerald Barry – 1998
Darragh Morgan, piano / Mary Dullea, violin - Jan-Peter de Graaff – Concerto No. 5 for cello, The Forest in April
Maya Fridman, cello / North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nicolò Foron - Gerald Barry – Midday
Darragh Morgan, piano / Mary Dullea, violin
