The Boulez/Cage Letters
Leave your assumptions at the door and discover the unexpected similarities in the work of Pierre Boulez and John Cage with the London Sinfonietta.
These two composers represent different and sometimes contradictory approaches to contemporary music and composition in the post-war period: Boulez’ compositions were largely mathematical and ordered, while Cage leaned more towards compositional freedom and avant-garde methods.
Though they often had contrasting visions for where new music should go, the pair were more in dialogue with each other than is often assumed: they exchanged letters between May 1949 and August 1954.
Hearing their work together in this intimate chamber concert accentuates the often glossed-over similarities between them: the free rein within the bounds of Boulez’ work and the limitations within Cage’s uncategorisable compositions.
Performers
London Sinfonietta
Thomas Kemp conductor *
Mark van de Wiel clarinet
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers actor
Repertoire
Cage: 6 Melodies
Boulez: Pour Dr Kalmus *
Cage: Credo in US
Boulez: Dérive I *
Interval
Boulez: Domaines for clarinet
Cage: Variations 1
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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