“I think of myself as a composer most of all and I like the sound of the electric guitar. But all my music, especially the music that doesn’t have electric guitar, is very influenced by my relationship to the electric guitar and the sound of the electric guitar.”

The electric guitar was Steven Mackey’s first musical passion, which he developed in rock bands in northern California. He has written two concertos and other pieces featuring the instrument, which he often plays with orchestras and ensembles such as the Kronos and Arditti quartets. The recording of his oratorio Dreamhouse was nominated for four 2010 Grammys, including Best Classical Album. His current projects include a piano concerto co-commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Further listening:

Ravenshead (monodrama, 1997)
Rinde Eckert, Paul Dresher Ensemble
(MinMax)

Tuck and Roll (electric guitar and orchestra, 2000)
Steven Mackey, New World Symphony,
Michael Tilson Thomas (RCA Red Seal)