Speaking of Music:
Morton Feldman, Jan. 30, 1986

From a recording made on January 30, 1986 as part of the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Speaking of Music series, Charles Amirkhanian interviews Morton Feldman and asks him right at the start if his music is Hermetic. The answers take us on a whirlwind tour of this composer's opinions, philosophy, criticisms, recollections and observations. There are excerpts from his “Piano and String Quartet” as well as his “Violin and Orchestra”. Feldman indicates that his compositions, which are usually lengthy, can be compared to the novels of Proust or the drinking of fine wine: and are to be sipped rather than gulped. Don't give up listening until you find out why Fred Astaire danced so well, or why Beethoven wrote his C-sharp minor String Quartet; Feldman provides the answers!

Thanks to the Estate of Morton Feldman for permission to share this historic interview. All Rights Reserved.