Design Matters from the Archive: Nico Muhly

Nico Muhly composes chamber music, orchestra music, operas, music for ballet, film music, you name it. If one were to sample from all of the types of music he’s written, and he’s only 34, it would take quite some time. Nico Muhly is a rare bird among classical composers. He’s hip, and he has fans under the age of 30. Maybe this has something to do with his collaborations with Bjork, Grizzly Bear, both Ira and Phillip Glass, and his efforts to reach beyond the classical music tradition.

Debbie talks to Nico about his music and about the musicians who interpret it. “I always feel like they appreciate something that’s detailed on the page to indicate that I know what I’m talking about, but with room for them to continue the conversation when I’m dead.”‘