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New York Miniaturist Interview
Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006. © Copyright 2004-2008 David Bruce
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CT talks to Erik Carlson from the New York Miniaturist
Ensemble, a group that only plays music with 100 notes or fewer.
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New York Miniaturist Ensemble
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Tell us something about your background.
The ensemble was founded in 2004 by graduates of the Juilliard School. We've premiered works by over 100 composers from around the world. We receive most of
the music we play through an open call for scores that is managed through our website.
What's the idea behind the New York Miniaturist Ensemble?
The ensemble is dedicated to the performance of music composed of 100 notes or fewer. In each concert we present anywhere from 10 - 30 works by as many
composers. The styles and aesthetics of the pieces are extremely diverse, but each piece carries a concentration of idea and essence that is very powerful. People have likened our perfermances to collections of musical haiku.
Is the group a gimmick or is there a serious artist reason behind the idea?
The music speaks for itself. We have performed hundereds of works, and the 100 note limit remains extremely interesting to me because it leads composers to a profound level of focus and expressive power which I feel is unique and exciting.
What excites you about a piece of music - what keeps you interested?
There are as many answers to that as there are pieces of music. Each piece carries its own set of thoughts, questions, answers, emotions, rules, gestures,
associations, etc. One of the challenges of music in general and the New York Miniaturist Ensemble specifically is trying to understand each new piece and to internalize it on its own terms. In our concerts there can be up to 30 pieces, which can make one feel a little crazy, but it's also exhilarating.
Interview by David Bruce © Copyright 2004-2008
 Comments by other Members
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