Recently I was asked why I don’t play my own compositions. I know that some modern composers do, but I tend to stay away from it for several reasons. I’d like to explain them here, so people understand my feelings on my music and why I am against performing it myself.
As a composer, the gift of the music is being able to listen to someone else’s interpretation of it. Some composers write to get their music out there, and want it out there regardless of how it is played. I don’t personally feel that way. I really enjoy working with performers, and having them interpret my music to suit them. The best experiences I’ve ever had with my music have been when I have worked with the performers of my music, and have been able to get their emotional feedback and response to the notes I had written. Because of this, I know that it becomes more limited for me to get my work out there and performed, but I’m willing to wait until a partnership with performers is developed and they are able to impart their feelings and emotions into the music.
If I record my own pieces, I then take more ‘ownership’ of the performance. If I take ownership of it, and people look to the recording as a reference for what the piece ‘should’ sound like, they lose the ability to decide for themselves how things should be interpreted. I have experienced this several times as a performer, where the recording of the piece I was listening to and learning would directly change the way that I would prefer the piece. Music, in many ways, is about emulation of performances we have heard before, or have been taught to replicate. It is hard for a performer to be completely unique in their performance of a piece, and often when you can find it they are the best and most interesting recordings you can find or pieces.
I consider myself a composer first, performer last. I enjoy working on compositions written by other people, but I enjoy creating it a lot more. The process is therapeutic, and it is very natural to me after doing it for so long. If I felt I wanted to market myself as a performer I would record my own pieces, but realistically performing is a very small part of my creative life right now. I still play here and there for small things, or with ensembles when I get the chance, but my focus creatively is on composition and writing new music for people who may enjoy it. My goal is to get out as much of the music I hear in my head as I can. To get it out there and to have it be interpreted by performers who know what they are doing.
I know there are many people that could potentially disagree with my statements on this issue, but it is a matter of what I personally believe when it comes down to my art. My art is putting out the music, not performing it, and I’m well aware of that. Also, my fulfillment is in the creative process of composing the music and working with the performers that enjoy playing my music. That being said, if you are a performer, and are interested in performing any of my works, please contact me, and I’ll gladly give you a copy for free. I’m willing to make my music easily available to those who want it, and who would like to perform it. All is ask for is that I’m notified if the piece is being performed and when. If I’m available to make it to the performance, I will do everything I can to be there and to support you!
Best always,
Kyle
Note:
You can visit kyleowen.com to listen to samples of my music. This is not a complete listing of all of my music, but only that which I’m ready to share with the world. I have many projects that are currently going through the creative process, and once they are completed they will be on the website. Please contact me personally, if you would like to arrange a performance of the music.
Thank you
. I just don’t feel EVERYTHING needs to be given a name for us to be able to interact with it.
