Composer James Praznik shares works and anecdotes from his own multifaceted career as artist, performer, and ensemble director, inviting questions along the way in the hope that listeners find greater and more personal connection to contemporary art and music.
“Individuality has become an unavoidable standard of measuring an artist’s value to the contemporary zeitgeist. Working artists today are expected to create things rooted in and amplifying their uniqueness, while also embodying qualities that will be ‘accessible’ or perceived as universally true. This tension has led to something akin to feelings of betrayal being a now-familiar aspect in the reception and discussion of new art. Each of us has surely had expectations rattled by a particular creation at one point or another – a new painting, film, or piece of music has seemed frustrating, inscrutable, or even disrespectful to your intellect. With the relationship between creators and audiences evolving in tandem with each new medium of communication, could the road to alleviating misunderstandings and dismantling assumptions be as simple as more candid and open conversations?
Let’s find out.
Together, we will listen to music (mostly mine, with some compelling examples from previous generations) and speak to its function in the world. I will tell you why I made it, why I love it, and what I hope you might feel. Then you tell me anything that’s on your mind and perhaps we can all connect just a little better in this time of isolation.”
