Maslanka's Music: An Expression of the Soul

Classical Academy | 20th Century Period | Composers

 

"You ask about the soul nature of music, and are music and soul the same thing. Music is one of the expressions of the soul. A person does not have to be consciously aware of soul connection for soul force to be expressed through that person. The conscious mind and the deep unconscious are two different things, but everyone has both of them. The unconscious can push its way into consciousness unbidden. Often this makes people do neuortic or crazy things - compulsive behaviour of one kind or another. If a person is prepared artistically, then a sudden eruption of soul force might appear as a composition or a powerful performance. The person may have no idea where the force came from. This was my experience."

 

These are the words of Massachussetts born American composer David Maslanka. Acclaimed for his wind ensemble compositions, Maslanka learned clarinet before studying composition at Michigan State University. HIs meditative works, hauntingly spiritual, are inspired by the emotions and complex feelings of the soul. They have a gentle quality that radiates a certain warmth in his style. Discover the delicate beauty of his writing with our special playlist of Maslanka's music, including wind compositions such as A Child's Garden of Dreams and his Second Symphony, entitled Deep River.