Who are today's most talented emerging composers - and whose music do you want to hear at Carnegie Hall? Join Orpheus and WQXR as we find out through Project 440.
Meant to evoke the process by which changes in an organism’s genetic information are induced experimentally or by environmental stresses, mutagenesis is a dance based on an ever-changing cell structure. The work is, at its core, really just a fun way of changing one woodblock into three woodblocks. Also, it’s kind of kicky.
mutagenesis was commissioned and premiered by Zeiggeist as part of the group’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Known for its inventive yet approachable sounds, the works of composer David Wolff range from the experimental to the familiar and are drawn from the classical, jazz, ethnic, and rock traditions. His pieces have been hailed as “exciting” by WCCO, and Minnesota Public Radio’s State of the Arts has said his music “evokes a kind of synesthesia.”
Comments [10]
I really enjoyed listening to this piece. I loved the interplay between the woodwind and percussion and how they played off of each other. I also think that the title fits the piece well. The melody line is constantly 'mutating',it doesn't go where you might expect it to go, but the composer is careful not to lose the listener. I think that that a piece like this really lends itself the acoustics in Stern Auditorium. Mr. Wolff's music would be a great fit for Orpheus
This piece is the perfect integration of science and music. It's an easy trasformation for me to visualize not only changes in genetic models, but also in life itself as it speeds along for all of us. Mr. Woff 's talent and creative genius should be exposed to the world.
Crafty and Clean lines. Sushi grade work. Also, it opens up at about 2:30. Plus it's fun!
What a fabulous piece! I could vividly picture the twists and turns of the DNA and how they changed as the mix of instruments and rhythms evolved throughout the piece. I'm a short train ride from Carnegie Hall and would love to see Mr. Wolff's work performed there.
Very fun work - I'll steal Dan's "Playful and surprising" comment because it's perfect!
Terrific piece, with a clever title. The composer has a real knack for counterpoint, and the piece's complexity rewards repeat listening.
I look forward to hearing more from David Wolff.
I have to agree with Lee's comment: this piece is a great balance between the accessible and the conceptual. Having no better words, I'll steal hers!
I'd love to hear more by him-- maybe he would compose a work that "is, at its core, really just a fun way of changing one viola into a full chamber orchestra".
In all seriousness, I would love to hear more of David Wolff.
Not only enjoyable, but capricious. This composer has my vote!
Playful and surprising. I really enjoyed this piece. I'd love to hear what this composer could do with a longer work.
I love this piece! It balances the accessible with the conceptual in a way that really appeals to me. The playful interplay between the instruments and incorporation of jazz elements all paint a very clear picture in my head. I think that this precise and playful compositional style could translate into all sorts of pieces. Dave Wolff sounds like a winner to me!
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