American Composer Michael Gordon at Seventy
Gordon has close ties with the Netherlands, where many of his works have received their premieres. Composer Louis Andriessen was one of his most important mentors. This autumn, Gordon’s birthday will be celebrated with his new work Andriessen, written especially for the ensemble Het Muziek, which will perform it on Sunday 22 November at the November Music festival.
Michael Gordon is one of the founders of the renowned New York-based organisation Bang on a Can, alongside fellow composers David Lang and Julia Wolfe. His energetic music forges intricate connections between the rigour of minimal music, the vitality of art rock and the openness of jazz.
This edition of Thema focuses on Gordon’s music, from his earliest works for his own Michael Gordon Philharmonic to his operas and orchestral compositions.
Playlist
Michael Gordon
- Yo Shakespeare (1992), for ensemble — from Terminal Velocity by Icebreaker. Performed by Icebreaker. Argo 443 214-2 CD.
- Industry (1992), for amplified cello and electronics — from Industry by Bang on a Can. Maya Beiser (cello). Sony Classical SK 66483 CD.
- Exalted (2010), for string quartet, choir and electronics — from Clouded Yellow by Michael Gordon. Kronos Quartet and Young People’s Chorus of New York City, conducted by Francisco Núñez. Cantaloupe Music CA 21140 CD.
- Acid Rain (1986), for ensemble — from Big Noise from Nicaragua by Michael Gordon. Spectrum ensemble, conducted by Guy Protheroe. CRI Emergency Music 636 CD.
- Thou Shalt! Thou Shalt Not! (1983), for ensemble — from Big Noise from Nicaragua by Michael Gordon. Michael Gordon Philharmonic. CRI Emergency Music 636 CD.
6–8. London, Borinage and The Hague, Part 1 (1991), from the opera Van Gogh — from Van Gogh by Michael Gordon. Ensemble Alarm Will Sound, conducted by Alan Pierson, with Sarah Chalfy (soprano), Matthew Hensrud (tenor) and Clay Greenberg (bass). Cantaloupe Music CA 21044 CD.
- The Unchanging Sea (2016), for piano and orchestra — from The Unchanging Sea by Michael Gordon. Seattle Symphony Orchestra, with Tomoko Mukaiyama (piano), conducted by Pablo Rus Broseta. Cantaloupe Music CA 21141 CD.
