Martin Bookspan interviews American contemporary composer William Mayer. Mayer talks about his studies at Yale University with Herbert Baumgartner; about his career as a composer; about his work with pianist William Masselos; and about his son pianist Stephen Mayer. Speaking about the variety of music he composed, Mayer says that he prefers to write show music. He speaks about his work as a treasurer for CRI (Composers Recordings, Inc.). The composer discusses in detail each of the following works, excerpts of which are then played during the interview: Octagon (for piano and orchestra, fifth and seventh movements) (1971), Piano sonata (first movement) (1959) that he composed in twelve-tone technique, Two news items: Hastily formed contemporary music ensemble reveals origins (for soprano and instrumental ensemble), Brass quintet (1965), Messages (for flute, string trio, and percussion) (1973), and Two pastels for orchestra.
Repository/Collector:
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
Repository/Collector Type:
Municipal
City:
New York
State:
New York
Country:
United States
Extent:
1 recording
Content types:
Sounds
Historical relevance:
Broadcast on radio station WNYC, New York, N.Y., Jan. 22, 1973.