Steven Stucky (1949 - 2016)

Introduction
Steven Stucky was born on November 7th, 1949, in Hutchinson, Kansas and was regarded as one of the most frequently performed living composers. He was also considered to have written some of the most engaging work and was praised for his craftsmanship. For schooling, Stucky would study composition at Baylor and Cornell University. In 2005 he would receive the Pulitzer Prize.

https://www.baylor.edu/mediacommunications/news.php?action=story&story=165881

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Work Analysis
Stucky would receive his first big break after the premiere of his piece the Dreamwaltzes (1986). This piece was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra's Sommerfest. Stucky wrote the piece almost as a one-off. Stucky wrote Dreamwaltzes with the idea of longing for the past without it becoming the past, wrapping it in wistful musical mists delicately reminding listeners that this idea is just a thought. The instrumentation for this piece uses  three flutes, three oboes, three clarinets, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, four trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, three percussionists, piano, harp, and strings. Stucky uses these to create a light tone to the music, making it feel like a dream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zffZL2WAFcI

Observations / Comparisons
I honestly really enjoyed this piece by Steven Stucky because of the idea of looking the past with more than just nostalgia. He said even a interview that he wanted to have call backs to the music of Brahms but knows he can not go back to that time.