The Classical Revolution

"Rich in discussion-worthy arguments … an important contribution to musical aesthetics." — Die Tonkunst
"An excellent and expansive view of where we now are in the larger world of contemporary art music." ― Academic Questions
These essays by a prominent composer offer a thought-provoking exploration of a current trend in classical music. Author John Borstlap advocates a departure from the atonal characteristics typical of modern music and a return to more traditional forms. He notes that new classical composers are increasingly successful in the central performance culture because they offer a fresh approach to the problems that persist in contemporary music, where an establishment with outdated ideas still dominates the production, reception, and funding of new music.


Borstlap's treatise introduces new composers, reveals instances of institutional biases, and examines issues of cultural identity, musical meaning, and the aesthetics of beauty. In order to offer readers the most up-to-date insights, this edition of TheClassical Revolution has been newly revised and expanded by the author.