Experiencing the Avant Garde

            It was the spring semester of 2016 and I was burdened with my science and math courses that semester, but had decided to take up a music class. This class, also known as, my fun class for the semester, was Music 342- Music of the Avant Garde. I had no idea what Avant Garde meant but, I just wished it was an easy class. As the semester went on, I must say this concept really intrigued me. Avant Garde, in its literal translation, is a French term meaning the “vanguard” or “advance Garde”. In music, this referred to a movement, post-World War II, in where new innovations and concepts were pushed forward and music was taken to a new level. Throughout the semester my professor scheduled a couple of outings in the city to experience this Avant Garde term in music. 

            In March, midway through the semester, we had a trip to the “New Music in the Kaplan Penthouse” concert. My class and I were studying several concepts such as indeterminacy and serialism found in music post-WWII. This music experience in the city was very different and it allowed me to appreciate the art of music so much more, from the experience in the penthouse to the composers and their musical pieces. The concert took place at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at the Lincoln Center in downtown New York City. The Kaplan Penthouse is described as a classic, intimate performance penthouse with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a wraparound balcony overseeing the stunning views of Hudson River and the New York City skyline. The experience at the venue alone, was amazing. Cloakroom service was provided, the penthouse had candlelight lighting and complimentary wine was served. This was different than any other concert I had gone to; it was evident that everyone in this place really enjoyed the experience and were appreciative of the music itself.

            The concert had a total of seven composers, who sat amongst the crowd, and listened to their pieces being performed. The musicians were very talented devoted to their skill. My professor gave us an assignment and he wanted us to really analyze the musical pieces and to look for the concepts of the Avant Garde movement we had been studying. One piece that I still recall today is “Twist” by the composer Vivian Fung. “Twist” was a reinterpretation of an o-Baroque prelude with the use of the pipa, a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument. I studied her musical piece and it amazed me how much detail the composer utilized to keep the sense of the Baroque prelude, but introducing the innovative concepts of the Avant Garde. This experience in general is one I will never forget and hope to experience again very soon. 

Works Cited

 “Avant-Garde.” Dictionary.com, Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/avant-garde.

Lincoln Center, www.lincolncenter.org/venue/stanley-h-kaplan-penthouse.