Pioneering Composer Pierre Boulez Has Died

Yesterday, avant garde composer and conductor Pierre Boulez died at his home in Baden-Baden, Germany at age 90. He was one of the most influential figures of twentieth century classical music, known for his work as both a composer and as a conductor. Boulez's major contribution to the history of was his founding of Paris' IRCAM, or Institute for the Research and Coordination of Acoustics and Music. The institute was founded in 1977 at the behest of President Georges Pompidou, and brought together leading composers, technicians, and computer scientists, giving birth to many of the twentieth century's most significant pieces.

His own pieces are remarkable for their innovative use of Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg's 12-tone method, which equally emphasizes each note of the Western scale, as opposed to the dominant method of prioritizing musical order around just one (for example in major or minor scales.) The Guardian has argued that the use of timbre is the central achievement of Boulez's music: "Like no one else has managed to do in music before, he has turned timbre – the texture and grain of the way instruments sound, and the special, surreal possibilities of electronic music – into a carrier of feeling and emotion."

As a conductor he reached his peak in the 60s, during which time he appeared with some of the world's most highly-regarded orchestras, such as Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He challenged convention in every aspect of his practice, setting aside a baton to lead with his own two hands, having orchestras play irregular material in irregular places, and even scandalously having the New York Philharmonic perform on rugs, at one point.

French Prime Minister Manuel Vallsgave a statement about Boulez' passing in which he said, "Audacity, innovation, creativity — that is what Pierre Boulez was for French music, which he helped shine everywhere in the world."

Thanks to the New York Times for the tip.

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