Instrumental Geometries: Between Medium and Message
While the late 19th century saw the consolidation of musical genres like the symphony and the concerto, as well as instrumental formations like the modern symphony orchestra and the string quartet, the 20th century witnessed the appearance of unprecedented instrumental geometries, chiefly motivated by new aesthetic necessities. For many composers after the Second World War, these new instrumental combinations were seen not only as a new point of reference for musical expression, but also a way of escaping the sociocultural connotations attached to traditional ensembles. Returns to historical forms and genres were often subject to questions, and even strong criticism, but what do those challenges mean today? To what extent does the medium determine the message? In this article, the author surveys the opinions of seven musicians, including composers, conductors, artistic directors, and performers.