The phrase “postmodern avant-grade” was
created by the musicologist, John Pippen, who investigates and explores the
relationship between the new music and social attitude. This coinage might be
unfamiliar to readers; however it can be explained through postmodernism and
avant-grade. Postmodernism is regard as both an opposition and extension of
modernism. If we discuss from modernist aesthetics, postmodernism can be a
reaction after the modern period, or a complete obstacle by anti-modern
gesture. The avant-grade is an experimental or innovative trend of art,
including new and unusual techniques and type. After combining these two words,
it shows a tension between the culture thinking and the main actuality of the
present socio-economic structure.
The new music ensemble eighth blackbird is
an example of postmodern avant-grade, as mentioned by John Pippen. This group
brings a complex and contrastive way to take commissioning, performing, and promoting new music, emerging a revolutionary music and efficient, which is
different from before. Nevertheless, the music world today is still dominated
by modernist concepts, such as the recognized “classics” of the 18th
and 19th centuries. The group deals with “a particular mixture of
modernist aesthetic goals, postmodern desires for accessibility, and
fundamental concerns about financial realities of the new music field,” said by
Pippen. Therefore, finding a balance between the performing ethos and the
reality of a post-industrial economy will be a “struggle” for eighth blackbird
and all modern music
In my opinion, I believe that the new music
of the present expresses a less classical type of form and harmony, but is
featured by the dynamics on the field of play at a given moment. Rather than
focusing on if there is a future for new music, we should develop and respect
the impact of postmodern avant-garde.
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