Composer Peter Boyer Is Obsessed with America's History — and Contributing to Its Musical Legacy
Peter Boyer. Credit: Danika Singfield.
With composition titles like In the Cause of the Free, Ellis Island: The Dream of America, and Balance of Power, it's easy to tell Peter Boyer has more than a casual interest in American history. In fact, it's something that's inspired him throughout his career.
But the Grammy Award-nominated composer-conductor isn't merely looking to memorialize America's past — he wants his music to connect with people today, and make a meaningful contribution to the musical legacy of the United States.
"There is an American sound in an orchestra that a composer who is American can attempt to deliver," Boyer says on the latest episode of the Classical Post podcast.
"There is a tradition or a legacy that one can hear in the music of composers who preceded me that I think is evident in [my] music. Hopefully there's a tangible connection to that American symphonic tradition that comes through when one hears this music. That is the hope."
Although Boyer speaks with bashful humility about his work, it's clear his desire to connect with today's listeners has become a reality. One of the most frequently performed American orchestral composers, Boyer's music has been performed more than 600 times by 200-plus orchestras around the world. Ellis Island alone has received 250 performances, including a filmed concert broadcast nationwide on PBS's Great Performances series.
And his latest album for Naxos American Classics, Peter Boyer: Balance of Power, represents a new contribution to the American symphonic tradition. Featuring Boyer on the podium leading the London Symphony Orchestra, the album showcases eight of his most recent orchestral works, including Fanfare for Tomorrow, which was commissioned for President Biden's 2021 inauguration.
In this episode, we talk more about the new Naxos album and what it takes for Boyer to put self-criticism aside and send a new work into the world. Plus, he shares his lifelong love for English Breakfast tea, the best place in LA for classic Italian food, and what it was like writing a "humorous symphony" for Henry Kissinger.
Listen to, Peter Boyer: Balance of Power wherever you stream or download music.
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