The Visionary Music of George Crumb

Discover the extraordinary musical world of George Crumb (1929-2022), the Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer who revolutionized how we think about sound itself. This UO Libraries workshop explores Crumb's groundbreaking compositions that blur the lines between music and theater, featuring pianists playing with chisels on piano strings, string players bowing water glasses, and performers wearing masks under colored lighting. We'll examine his stunning visual scores that look like works of art themselves - with musical staves curved into spirals and circles - while listening to iconic pieces like "Black Angels" (which inspired the formation of the Kronos Quartet) and "Ancient Voices of Children," featuring ethereal sounds created through extended vocal and instrumental techniques.

Participants will gain insight into how one composer expanded the very definition of musical expression, transforming concert halls into mystical sonic landscapes. Through guided listening and score analysis, you'll discover how Crumb drew inspiration from sources as diverse as whale songs, Federico García Lorca's poetry, and the Vietnam War to create music that speaks to primal emotions and cosmic mysteries. Whether you're curious about experimental music, interested in innovative artistic expression, or simply want to hear sounds you've never experienced before, this workshop offers an accessible introduction to one of America's most original musical voices. No advanced music theory knowledge required - just bring an open mind and prepare to have your conception of what music can be completely transformed.