German-American composer Hans Thomalla has released a recording of his new song-opera Dark Spring, which "marries American popular song tradition to the musical and theatrical avant-garde in this fresh new take on contemporary opera." The story centers on four characters under extreme pressure to achieve academically, to attain popularity, and to perform romantically.
Hans is based in Chicago, where he is Professor of Music Composition at Northwestern University and the founder/director of the Institute for New Music. He joined me for a discussion of this project and his thoughts on contemporary music in general.
Yours in good music,
Mike Goldberg Classical Host, VPM Music