Today’s Music by Today’s Composers.
Not a Melody in Sight
Judging by his music, German composer Helmut Lachenmann (1935, pictured) may not seem like a particularly cheerful character, but appearances can be deceptive. He can be remarkably witty, as the title of his most recent major work, My Melodies, goes to show. Throughout the entire 45-minute piece, written for eight horns and a large symphony orchestra, there is not a trace of a traditional melody to be found.
The American composer John Cage took a different approach in his Six Melodies. Played by a violinist, the melodies are entirely independent of the piano accompaniment. Yet listeners cannot help relating the two parts to each other, resulting in some truly enchanting phantom harmonies.
Playlist
Helmut Lachenmann: My Melodies
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks; Matthias Hermann (conductor).
John Cage: Six Melodies
Irvine Arditti (violin); Stephen Drury (piano).
