Otto Luening

Brief bio of Luening by Tim Page.

Luening talks about his association with Ferruccio Busoni and Busoni's work. He also talks in detail about his musical tribute to Busoni.

Musical Selection: The Sonata for Piano in Memorium to Ferruccio Busoni. Pianist: Ursala Oppens

Luening talks about new music in the midwest that isn't tied to either New York or Los Angeles. Lots of talent in the heart of the country. Regional development is very important. His philosophy of writing out of necessity and that there are different kinds of music for different purposes or performers. On becoming "a personality" based on his electronic works. Young people are discovering his music now. He talks about his second string quartet written in 1922 and it being played in the 1960s. Luck, timing and good fortune play a big role in the success of works. Busoni influences. Composing from the "inner-oral picture out". Unloading baggage along the way and contrasts are needed in works. Provides the background for his work, Fantasy in Space.

Musical Selection: Fantasy in Space (1952)

Luening continues to talk about Fantasy in Space. Making of the electronic sounds in his apartment. Discusses wide use of electronic music today and the need for more thoughtfulness and experimentation. Sounds can do damage to people. Need to control what is offered has to be considered carefully. On the other hand, it is an exciting time. Just don't let it "go wild". You can either be either evolutionary or revolutionary. He says he is an evolutionary. Luening was never under the illusion that instruments or the human voice would die because of the advent of electronic music. Great period in music because of the wide diversity. Talks about Charles Ives and his contact with him. Comments on issue of norms and standards. Need to keep moving forward. Interested in returning to vocal music and poetry as an influence on musical works. Concludes with 'liberation of sound' after WWI and now we have a great danger of too much noise. Danger of going deaf because of uncontrolled noise.

WNYC archives id: 8902