My PLN - David Maslanka Online!

It is now time for me to share with you the website of probably the most important living composer today - David Maslanka. Maslanka is a very spiritual composer who meditates daily and draws his inspiration from higher powers. One link to the higher powers for Maslanka has been the Chorale Preludes of J.S. Bach, which he plays daily on his own piano. To him they are a "channel" into another world, into the subconscience. Maslanka's music is often intense in rhythm, emotion, range, difficulty, and texture. It borrows from many styles of music, but when it is complete he has a musical language all to himself. I believe he is the greatest musical prophet the world has seen since Gustav Mahler, and it is so exciting because he is actually living!

When you visit his website, you will come to know a very humble man not afraid to list his actual street address and phone number. He loves talking with people that are excited about his music, and he is not afraid to share with you his ideas concerning it. There is an official list of compositions from each genre, but it should be pointed out right now that he has seemed to find his calling composing for the wind ensemble, and for wind instruments in general. There are abstracts from some of the greatest talks on his own music, including what the composer had to say in his own words about the inspiration or content of a particular piece. And last but certainly not least, there is a discography which in itself is quite extensive for a living composer.

I first heard the music of David Maslanka in 1998 as I was attending Interlochen in the summer. I shall never forget the spirit of the music I felt that day. I knew in the back of my mind that this was one composer I would need to remember for the rest of my life. Over ten years later, I am familiar with almost every composition he has available to the public. That little glimpse into the world of Maslanka eleven years ago has fostered a passion that keeps growing every day. I would encourage everyone to go to his website and check out his music. I promise you will not be disappointed!

http://www.davidmaslankaonline.com