Tüür says creative freedom depends on finding like-minded musicians

Composer Erkki-Sven Tüür says creative freedom depends on following one’s own nature and finding like-minded people among both composers and performers, ERR reported. He discussed the subject on Klassikaraadio’s Pähklipureja programme.

Tüür referred to Isaiah Berlin’s distinction between negative freedom, or freedom from something, and positive freedom, or freedom to do something. He said creative freedom lies somewhere between the two: composers need rules of their own, but should also be free to break them when necessary.

He cited Igor Stravinsky’s argument that setting limits strengthens creative force rather than diminishing it, while noting that John Cage and his associates held a different view. Tüür said he does not worry about his own creative freedom and therefore feels free.

For Tüür, the conditions for creative freedom depend on whether artists follow their natural inclinations and make work they feel compelled to create. He also said artists need room to develop, an education and practical opportunities to hear their work performed. Finding kindred spirits among performers is important, he added, especially musicians who want to perform a composer’s work and share a similar outlook.

Tüür said commissions have not restricted his freedom. Since the 1990s, musicians and orchestras from different places have asked him to write new music, and he assumes they do so because they know and want the kind of music he makes. Discussions about the length of a work, he said, have reflected the required format rather than a limit on his freedom.