Latest news with #AnnaMeredith
The Guardian
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Brian Wilson was not the last stop on music's great adventure
I agree with Rachel Aroesti that Brian Wilson was a gift to humanity, and I love his music (Brian Wilson was a musical genius. Are there any left?, 14 June). But musical genius should not be equated with mainstream success – music exists to be appreciated by whomever it reaches. And I could name many lesser-known musicians who still push the boundaries of sound: Anna Meredith's marrying of electronic and classical springs to mind, for example, or Anna B Savage's mix of intimate pop vocals with soaring folk arrangements. Beyond that, Aroesti seems to be working from a very narrow frame of cultural reference. Her article says Wilson was 'lyrically radical' in transforming pop into an 'emotional autobiography', in the words of Wilson's biographer David Leaf. What about French chansons that dominated Europe in the 1940s and 1950s and brought autobiographical lyrics into the mainstream? Aroesti also suggests pop music reached its apotheosis in the 1960s and is now repeating itself – which overlooks the fundamental truth that all art is in conversation with itself, on a never-ending journey of development. Sure, Shakespeare and Chekhov were unusually great, but there were some decent plays written in the 300-plus years between them, and we'd never have got to Chekhov without the stepping stones of all the interim works. I suggest Aroesti spends some time reflecting on the system she lives in, which seems to lead her to believe that the only remaining musical geniuses are all over 70 (and mostly boomer white men). In the meantime, I'm off to listen to Kae Tempest (a genius, in my eyes).Anoushka LucasLondon The question posed in Rachel Aroesti's article is provocative, but the frame is narrow. It treats 'musical genius' as if it exists primarily within western pop and rock, ignoring the extraordinary musical invention happening in pop music across the globe and in other genres. Brian Wilson was a brilliant innovator, but he drew inspiration from classical, jazz and experimental music. Aroesti briefly touches on the Beatles, but not on their immersion in Indian music. This interconnectedness matters. Genius is rarely confined by geography or genre. If Aroesti thinks pop feels stagnant, perhaps that says more about the industry in the west than about the existence of genius. It may not always be packaged for British or US charts, but that does not mean it has vanished. We have more music available at our fingertips than at any other point in our history; we just need to listen more O'ReganSan Francisco, California, US Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Glasgow Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Scottish Ensemble unveils Glasgow shows for 2025/26
Coming together with other venues across Scotland, these performances aim to provide an exhilarating range of musical experiences for the audience. The ensemble is shifting focus this autumn onto composer Anna Meredith, recognised for her boundary-pushing style. (Image: Tiu Makkonen) Among the schedule is Shifting Patterns, running from October 25 to 29 and presenting a unique blend of Meredith's energetic compositions and Henryk Górecki's emotionally rich Quasi una Fantasia. The performance will administer a combined feast of sound and visuals with tailor-made projections by animator Ewan Morris Jones. Read more: New Rangers manager Russell Martin outlines transfer plans ahead of key tie Warning to drivers as Glasgow's M8 roadworks at busy junction delayed Russell Martin outlines Rangers ambitions in Celtic comparison The Concerts by Candlelight tour from December 2 to 11 will present the UK premiere of a new piece by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov. The piece, Moments of Memory VI, was co-commissioned by the Scottish Ensemble, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Arctic Philharmonic, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and the Witold Lutosławski National Forum of Music for NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra. The Young Artists programme also continues, allowing string students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to work closely with the ensemble's musicians. Performances in Glasgow on January 16 and 17 will showcase the output of this partnership. Lauren Jack and Annabel Stevens, stand-out performers in the 2024 residency, will also make their Scottish Ensemble debuts in the autumn/winter series. The ensemble also continues their work in helping people with music, Music for Wellbeing, a series of sessions leaders hope will provide calmness, combat stress, and uplift emotions. This scheme will revisit Maggie's centres this autumn in continuation of a long-running partnership with the charity. The scheme will also be present in schools, focusing on aiding pupils develop mindful listening skills. To find out about Scottish Ensemble's autumn and winter 2025/26 performances head to
