Long ago (maybe not that long ago, but nearly half my life…) I learned that if music doesn’t speak to me, the problem may be mine and not the composer’s. My first real experience with this was Schoenberg’s Variations on a Recitative for organ – a work I was certain nobody could love. And yet, Schoenberg went to all that effort. And Marilyn Mason went to who-knows-what lengths to record the work. So at least two people loved it. What was my problem?
Well, I adore that work now. As a result of continuing this pattern, I generally consider myself open-minded and accepting of a wide range of aesthetic bents.
But I had a revelation last week. After reading a handful of student listening reports about Babbitt, I realized that I have never given Babbitt the effort he deserves. I enjoy his Semi-Simple Variations, but the other music leaves me cold. Baffled, maybe. Why would he spend all that effort… for this?
So, I’m taking a two-week hiatus from all other music and listening to nothing but Babbitt. Maybe I’ll finally “get it” – at least, I hope so, since one can never love enough good music. And maybe not. But I’m determined to give it a shot and see how it goes.