Composer Martin Kennedy Debuts Original Work: ‘Forest Dark and Stars Above’
Every year, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra features an up-and-coming composer and commissions a work. This season, that composer is Alabama native Martin Kennedy. Thursday night, the orchestra gives the world premiere of Kennedy’s Forest Dark and Stars Above. Kennedy spoke with WBHM’s Michael Krall about his approach to composing. Their conversation began with Kennedy describing the piece and features some of Kennedy’s other music.
Interview highlights:
How audiences should approach a new piece of music:
“A new piece is a new adventure, a new story that’s told.”
On knowing whether a composition is worthy:
“It’s like a dish that you concoct. You spend your time with the ingredients, you spend your time putting everything together, creating the sauces … and at the end of the day, someone takes it out and presents it to the table. And, at that point it’s … up to the consumer to decide if it’s worthy.”
Why composers today don’t write more like Beethoven or Brahms or Mozart:
“Because Beethoven was such a good Beethoven. We don’t need another Beethoven, we don’t need another Brahms … that’s all been done, and it’s been done so well.”
Note: The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is a sponsor of WBHM programming. WBHM’s news and business departments operate separately.
Party City files for bankruptcy and plans to shutter nationwide
Party City was once unmatched in its vast selection of affordable celebration goods. But over the years, competition stacked up at Walmart, Target, Spirit Halloween, and especially Amazon.
Sudan’s biggest refugee camp was already struck with famine. Now it’s being shelled
The siege, blamed on the Rapid Support Forces, has sparked a new humanitarian catastrophe and marks an alarming turning point in the Darfur region, already overrun by violence.
FDA approves weight loss drug Zepbound to treat obstructive sleep apnea
The FDA said studies have shown that by aiding weight loss, Zepbound improves sleep apnea symptoms in some patients.
Netflix is dreaming of a glitch-free Christmas with 2 major NFL games set
It comes weeks after Netflix's attempt to broadcast live boxing between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was rife with technical glitches.
Big dreams: He’s the founder of a leading African photobook library
Paul Ninson had an old-school, newfangled dream: a modern library devoted to photobooks showing life on the continent. He maxed out his credit cards, injured his back — and made it happen.
Opinion: The Pope wants priests to lighten up
A reflection on the comedy stylings of Pope Francis, who is telling priests to lighten up and not be so dour.
