Rorem talks about writing for singers and song recitals. Music is the only art that is dragging its feet behind the other arts. Classical music is the only art in which the living artist is an ignored species -- as opposed to living painters, playwrights, movie makers, etc... the reason? Not sure. Then in music - song, singers are geared toward opera... not the recital. Then they sing badly in every language except their own...speaking of America only. Songs cycles just don't get performed.
Although he is known for his songs, he says that 80% of his work is non-vocal including the piece that won the Pulitzer.

Rorem says poems inspire him to write songs. He likes to combine literature and music. "It is the ictus of the song that compels my writing. He says he "writes songs for certain voices and writes the songs in context with each other i.e. in cycles.

Musical segment: Some early songs by Ned Rorem.

Rorem talks about the suggestion that it's easier to write a longer piece than a shorter one. In his case since his work is based on a pre-existing poem rather than an entirely original composition - then the length is determined by the poem and the speed of its speech. So, he knows the length of the piece before it is completed. No masters per se in the field of song writers. Copland, Theodore Chandler raised his interest in the human voice.

Rorem discusses his diary writing. Describes himself as a musician who writes rather than a writer who composes. The distinction is that he makes his living from composing.

Musical segment: Instrumental work - Water Music 1966 theme and variation in nine sections. Performance by Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Hughes.

Rorem's advice to young composers: Life for a composer is problematic at best. The situation is far worse now than when he was in my 20s. He says there are no publishers for young composers. Rorem says you must decide if you are a composer and then open your own publishing and recording company..get to know performers while still in school...times are changing drastically. He says small companies in publication and recording are where it's at and going to be and not to worry about being influenced.

WNYC archives id: 8906