Online Masterclass 16: Johannes Kreidler on Prepared Listening

Berlin-based composer Johannes Kreidler is a leading figure in conceptualism, working at the intersection of composition and conceptual art. In this three-part series for Sounds Unheard, ‘The Art of Ideas in Music’, Johannes explains some of his creative and controversial approaches to creating new music.

In his final masterclass in this series, Johannes introduces us to the idea of prepared listening, where listening is influenced by extra-musical information like graphics or text. We take a look at an exploration of struggle in music and video in Johannes’ recent piece Fantasies of Downfall, how technology has opened new avenues for artists to create and present their work, and how we can continue to extend our definition of what music is in the future.