tG
S3E1: Stephen Goss - The tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast
@ tonebase Guitar
09/22/19
Takeaways
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I started learning guitar at the age of eight, and my first guitar teacher encouraged me to create my own exercises and compositions from the very beginning.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I believe in incorporating quotes and inspirations from diverse musical styles into my compositions, which allows me to explore new styles with each project.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
My first significant composition was 'Park of Idols,' which features movements inspired by various musicians, including Pat Metheny and Frank Zappa.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
My PhD supervisor, Peter Dickinson, greatly influenced my approach to music by emphasizing the use of quotes and the blending of popular music styles into contemporary classical music.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I often see each project as an opportunity to explore a new style of music, which keeps my work fresh and engaging.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
Currently, I'm working on a solo guitar piece inspired by Joni Mitchell, and another piece for Aniello Desiderio that draws from Italian opera.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I don't consider composing a solitary activity; I prefer to meet and discuss ideas with other musicians throughout the process.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I find that collaborating with different musicians helps me think about instruments in new ways, especially since a significant portion of my music features guitar.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
When composing, I often visualize the entire piece in my mind before I start writing it down, focusing on the structure and character of the music.
SG
Steve Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I often collaborate with performers, and I don't always take sole credit for compositions, as many ideas come from the musicians I work with. I wrote a concerto that John Williams recorded, but it wasn't originally written for him; it was for my friend Graham Roberts.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
Collaborating with Graham Roberts was amazing because he had incredible ideas, and we would sit down to discuss textures and chords for improvisation.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
When John Williams heard one of Graham's performances of my piece, he liked it a lot and ended up touring and recording it.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
It's sometimes strange when other musicians play music I've written for a specific guitarist, but their different interpretations can be just as interesting and valid.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I dislike the idea of a definitive performance; every musician brings their own interpretation, which is valuable.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
John Williams, despite saying he would retire from solo concerts, continues to commission new works and perform, which is great to see.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I recently wrote a chamber piece for John Williams that includes two guitars, violin, double bass, and percussion, which has been performed multiple times.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
I try to keep my compositional approach different for each piece, but certain textures and combinations of instruments often recur in my work.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
When writing orchestral pieces, I have to ensure they can be played off the page, as there are many musicians involved and time is limited during rehearsals.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
Writing for orchestras requires a more conservative approach compared to writing for soloists or chamber groups, where I can take bigger risks.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
Amplification is crucial for guitar performances with orchestras, as it allows the guitar to blend well with the larger ensemble without losing its character.
SG
Stephen Goss
09/22/19
@ tonebase Guitar
The guitar is becoming more accepted in contemporary music, and guitarists are now winning competitions alongside other instruments, which is an exciting development.