Interview With Michael Schelle, composer of Heartland
What inspired you to write Heartland?
The piece was commissioned by The Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, and I knew it would be premiered in NYC (2007) -- the Midwest thing evolved quickly, not as a slam to the midwest, but more an acknowledgement to the innocence and good humor.
What unique techniques did you use for this composition?
The pieces makes use of traditional notation, spatial/proportional notation, ad lib (with restrictions/guidelines), theatrical things, vocalizations, hand gestures, texts, props, etc. Each of the 7 movements captures an 'aspect' of each of 7 Midwest states ... like 7 little Midwest operas.
What are some of your favorite parts of this piece? What makes it your favorite?
Favorite parts ... Hmmmm, like asking me to pick which of my kids is my favorite. :-) Well, on any given day ... I LOVE the final movement, the Indiana movement -- the audience sing-a-long, I also love the farm animal noises in Ill-i-noise ... and the theatre in Bluegrass Voodoo, the frightening Master Race implications in Michigan Militia, the simple tenderness of the piano solo lullaby Badger Baby, the systematic destruction of the Ohio State University fight song in Buckeye Zombies. Guess I really enjoy it all :)
What do you think of new music in Indianapolis? The MidWest?
New music in Indianapolis ...? Well, OP and Ronen, that's about it in terms of consistent acknowledgement of new music (local and otherwise). ISO tries safe new music chestnuts occassionally, chamber orchestration occasionally, but compared with most cities our size, Indy is very conservative and SAFE.
What do you think of Orkestra Projekt?
Orkestra Projekt is the great chamber music group in town!! Daring, challenging, hip, cool, experimental on many levels, talented committed players, and music director Jose Valencia is one in a million. Daring to spit in the face of conservative 'James Whitcomb Riley Indiana' and instead conjure up the notorious aura of ex-Hoosier, Ezra Pound ... and PROVE that new things in music CAN be exciting, fun, rewarding, and accessible!!
www.schellemusic.com