Follow this
Sir: A possible answer to Robin Holloway's question (Arts) — why new musical works are performed once and then disappear without trace — is that there is simply too much music too easily available at the flick of a switch. There is also the enormously rich and varied legacy of music from the past, culminating in the many instrumental and vocal masterpieces of the 19th century. The modern composer is therefore faced with the almost insurmountable hurdle of past excellence which gives rise to the two- word challenge: follow that!
As we draw towards the end of the 20th century, it is clear that some 20th-century composers have indeed been able to 'follow that' while at the same time demonstrating that developing compositional techniques do not necessarily preclude the emotional appeal of music. Stravinsky, Bartok, Prokoviev, Britten, Messiaen are just a handful of 20th-century composers whose distinguished places in the ranks of first- class composers are already assured.
But new music always presents problems to the listener. I personally find such com- posers as Birtwistle completely unapproach- able — at the moment. But that probably has more to do with me than with Sir Harri- son. I recollect that even some works by Beethoven were considered unacceptable by many of his contemporaries.
Keith Fagan
13 Mayfair Court, Mayfair Close, The Avenue, Beckenham, Kent
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