Are there well-known classical composers who aren't trained on a particular instrument? An acquaintance is a young singer who's interested in composition (mostly for voice), but in talking to him I get the sense that he feels a little inadequate compared to his fellow students who are accomplished on at least one instrument like piano or violin. Can you give me examples of classical composers whose work is respected but who weren't primarily instrumental players? Modern or otherwise. Thanks!
posted by mediareport on Dec 14, 2009 - 14 answers

How do you pronounce composer Charles Wuorinen's name? Which syllable is accented?
posted by mediareport on Jul 16, 2009 - 8 answers

Please help me find an online avant-garde classical music site that posted full pieces you could listen to for free. The site let you browse by composer, genre and instruments. I think "america" may be in the URL, but I'm not sure. I do recall that it was almost entirely unusual repertoire 20th century stuff. Does this ring a bell? [more inside]
posted by mediareport on Mar 5, 2009 - 10 answers