Bernstein takes a chance
Synopsis
The Grove Dictionary of Music defines \u201caleatory\u201d as follows: \u201cmusic whose composition and/or performance is, to a greater or lesser extent, undetermined by the composer.\u201d
But isn\u2019t music supposed to be organized, planned, determined sound? Isn\u2019t \u201caleatoric music\u201d a contradiction in terms? Well, not necessarily. Musicians throughout the ages have delighted in spontaneous, improvised sound, or musical games in which the results will be different with each performance.
In the 20th century, American composers like Charles Ives and Henry Cowell often gave performers a great deal of freedom in the realization of their scores, and John Cage developed what he called \u201cchance operations\u201d into an art form all its own.
On September 13, 1986, at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, Leonard Bernstein conducted the Israel Philharmonic in the premiere of his new Concerto for Orchestra, subtitled Jubilee Games, which incorporates some aleatoric elements.
Bernstein explained, \u201cIts first movement is musical athletics, with cheers and all. It is also charades, anagrams, and children\u2019s counting games \u2026 therefore aleatoric, ranging from structured improvisation to totally free orchestral invention. It is thus inevitable that the movement will vary considerably from one performance to another, and even one rehearsal to another.\u201d
Music Played in Today's Program
Leonard Bernstein (1900-1990): Concerto for Orchestra (Jubilee Games); Israel Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein, conductor; DG 429 231