Maverick Composers Hold Their Ground Online

For most pop fans, the label "progressive classical composer" would be "three strikes" against anyone. But followers of the unorthodox worlds of Harry Partch, Charles Ives, John Cage, Henry Cowell and Steve Reich are finding new audiences using the web.

A recent article in the New York Times discusses the rise of American Mavericks and other web sites dedicated to preserving, even expanding, the legacy of some of the more innovative -- and less well known -- 20th century composers.

The American Mavericks site is a rich companion to the Minnesota Public Radio-produced series of the same name. Not only can visitors hear the radio series itself, but they can hear interviews with 60 composers, listen to more than 12 hours of exclusive concert recordings, and play with new interactive content.

For example, they can experiment with virtual replicas of some of Harry Partch's unusual instrumental inventions, such as the Chromelodeon (an organ using microtonal tuning), the Cloud Chamber Bowls (glass gongs), and his light-bulb marimba. Also present is an emulation of the Rhythmicon, an early rhythm machine developed by Henry Cowell and Lev Termen.

The site also offers not one but TWO continuous streams of music -- "smooth" and "crunchy," to accommodate both sedate and adventurous tastes.

Says Sarah Lutman of Minnesota Public Radio, "We asked ourselves what it would look like if the radio show were about the web site and not vice versa."

American Maverick is not alone in its quest to bring challenging composers and musical explorers to new audiences. The Times article makes specific note of the sites for Art of the States, the American Music Center's New Music Jukebox, the New Music Bazaar, and Bart Hopkins' Experimental Musical Instruments.

Explore American Mavericks site

Explore sites for :

• Art of the States
• New Music Jukebox
• Kalvos and Damian's New Music Bazaar
• Bart Hopkins' Experimental Musical Instruments

Read the NY Times article [fee required]

Read our June 2003 Vibrations article, with additional links for Harry Partch