When composer Morton Feldman speaks about composing exclusively with patterns, he suggests that there isn't a single way of organizing music that stands out as superior to others. Instead, each pattern carries its own significance and value, meaning no one method dominates or overshadows the rest. This perspective highlights a fluid approach to musical composition where various organizational techniques coexist without hierarchy.
At a deeper level, Feldman's statement challenges conventional thinking in music creation by advocating for an egalitarian view of different compositional strategies. He implies that creativity thrives when composers embrace diversity and allow each pattern or technique to inform the overall structure equally, rather than adhering strictly to a single method. This approach encourages innovation and flexibility, allowing musicians to explore various musical textures and structures without being constrained by rigid rules.
Morton Feldman was an influential American composer known for his abstract and experimental works. Born in 1926, he became one of the leading figures in post-war avant-garde music. His unique compositions often eschew traditional forms and tonalities, focusing instead on textures and sustained sounds. This quote encapsulates his innovative philosophy that values the equal importance of diverse compositional elements over any single conventional approach.
