Why Do Composers Write Music

Haven’t a clue.

No, seriously. I mean, I know why I write music, but why other composers do it, I’m not sure. I remember having discussions at university (generally in the kitchen party after several beers) about “Why music?” and “What is music anyway?” As I recall, the general consensus was there was no consensus. And if you can’t even agree on “What is music anyway?” figuring out why anyone is writing the darn stuff becomes even more diaphanous. Dangerous? Er, difficult.

Personally, I write music because I want to communicate something, usually a character or mood. For example, in Winter Suite, my goal is to evoke a memory of the feeling of watching snow descend (Snowfall) or getting stuck in an ice blizzard (Sleet) or enjoying a day of freedom on the snowfield (Snow Day). Those of us who have experienced snow will be able to connect with the moods and emotions communicated in these pieces; and for those of us who have not yet experienced this quintessential aspect of Canadian winters, I hope to create a sonic representation of the phenomenon. In Our Pets, I describe the characters of different animals through sound and in Medieval Suite, I set out to create the mood of an ancient castle complete with kings, princesses and wizards.

Despite not knowing why other composers write music, I believe we all have the same goal: to touch the heart of the listener. How well we connect depends on the subject we choose (My Pet Dragon or Sonatina) and our skill in crafting convincing combinations of sounds. Only the listener and the performer can really decide.

Keep playing! Keep learning! Keep loving!