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Welcome Mark Vigil online!

Why "Contemporary Classical Composer"?

My sole passion, as far as composition is concerned, is to create heartfelt, artistic, new contemporary classical music.

I am not entirely adverse to writing adventurous music even avant garde so long as the message conveyed is kind. I must admit that I am prone to a lyrical and a more readily understandable music aesthetic. With that said, it may be noteworthy (pun intended) that I mention my early exposure to American gamelan music. This homegrown "new music" genre was instrumental (pun intended) in shaping my less-than traditional aesthetic and approach to contemporary classical composition.

I would never consider my music as being conservative or representing the "cutting edge" of modern contemporary classical music. If anything, the forms of my compositions are simple, the phrases asymmetric and for the most part, the incorporation of dissonance is often mild. I strive to make each composition creatively independent. Stylistically I prefer each piece of mine to be unlike any of its predecessors.

My music is intended to please the listener's ear not upset it. I think life is wonderful and very beautiful. I have no complaints. So then, why should the character of my music (which is a direct reflection of me) be any different.

I prefer my compositions to reflect my love and respect for life itself, for nature and for the tradition of western art music.

I feel much more at ease when I am writing "music" as opposed to writing "sound." I'm not implying that a work of art could not come from compositions that incorporate a predominance of "extended techniques." I'm saying that personally I feel more challenged and inspired by the prospects of writing new music rather than by the prospects of creating new sound effects.

In short, I do not yet feel exasperated with this "sense of tradition."

If someone were to ask me "Why exactly do you write music and what are you trying to accomplish." My reply would have to be that I write music because I love to and the only thing I am trying to accomplish is, for me, not to waste or squander this opportunity I have to create or compose new contemporary classical music.

I am a member of NACUSA (National Association of Composers USA) website: www.music-usa.org/nacusa

I am also a member of NACUSA Cascadia Chapter (Pacific Northwest USA) website: www.cascadiacomposers.org

I am also a member of the American Music Center in New York City website: www.amc.net

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