Morton Feldman (January 12, 1926 – September 3, 1987) was an American composer, a pivotal figure in the development of experimental and avant-garde music in the mid-20th century. Feldman was a pioneer whose compositions are known for their delicate textures and protracted lengths, often exploring the relationships between sound, silence, and the passage of time. His style is marked by an attention to quiet dynamics and the use of unconventional notation and instrumentations, which encourage performers to engage deeply with their own interpretation of the score.

Throughout his career, Feldman had meaningful associations with influential artists and composers, such as John Cage, Earle Brown, and Christian Wolff, which significantly impacted his approach to composition. His works, notably "For Bunita Marcus," "Patterns in a Chromatic Field," and "Triadic Memories," reflect an evolution in his compositional techniques, focusing on the nuances of variability and repetition. Feldman's later period, characterized by extended pieces such as his String Quartet No. 2, which can last upwards of six hours, solidified his legacy as a composer unafraid to challenge the listener's perception and experience of time and memory in music. Despite his passing, his work continues to challenge and inspire musicians and composers, with a consistent stream of performances and recordings, such as the releases of "For Bunita Marcus," "Coptic Light & String Quartet & Orchestra," and “Three Voices,” attesting to the enduring significance of his contributions to modern music.

Genres

American Contemporary Classical

Avant-garde

Contemporary Classical

Drone

Minimalism

Tzadik

Related Artists

Philip Glass

John Cage

Steve Reich

Terry Riley

Pauline Oliveros

Alvin Lucier

La Monte Young

Karlheinz Stockhausen

Pierre Boulez

Arvo Pärt

Luciano Berio

György Ligeti

Latest Release

Minimalism for Autumn: Vol. II

Erik Satie•

Arvo Pärt•

John Cage•

Michael Nyman•

Philip Glass•

Morton Feldman•

Graham Fitkin•

John Tavener•

John Adams•

Steve Reich

Album - 95 Tracks - Released October 8, 2024