In the medieval quadrivium, music came just after arithmetic and before geometry and astronomy. Today, musical composition can border on many other scientific and technological fields! The term "contemporary music" could refer to all music composed or broadcast in the present day. In practice, the label applies to newly created "art" music presented by specialist organizations at dedicated concerts or festivals. It therefore excludes popular music (variety, pop, etc.) and most functional music (written for advertisements, films, etc.).
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In search of models
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1945\. As the Second World War drew to a close, Anton Webern (1883–1945), the "Sphinx of brevity," was struck down by a stray bullet. A new era began for aspiring composers born around 1925, eager to learn, make discoveries and explore new worlds—and not only Viennese serialism (see FOCUS). Several names shone in the second half of the century through their originality or influence: Iannis Xenakis (1922–2001), Pierre Boulez (1925–2016), György Ligeti (1923–2006), Luciano Berio (1925–2003), Bruno Maderna (1920–1973), Luigi Nono (1924–1990), Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928–2007), Henri Pousseur (1929–2009)… All encountered this serialist wave, though they embraced it to very different degrees! Two notable elders had preceded them: Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992), an inspiring teacher who opened minds, and John Cage (1912–1992), the tireless champion of chance and indeterminacy.
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