Meet the Composer

January 6, 2009 7:01 AM

If you've ever enjoyed Steve Reich's Different Trains, John Adams' Nixon in China or Harry Partch's The Bewitched, you probably have Betty Freeman to thank. Freeman supported the works of such composers as Philip Glass, John Cage and Witold Lutoslawski (and many, many more), often early in their careers. She was a photographer herself, and the subject of David Hockney's Beverly Hills Housewife. Freeman passed away at age 87.
posted by NemesisVex (10 comments total)

I enjoyed John Adams' Nixon in China. I thank her.

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posted by Joe Beese at 7:07 AM on January 6

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posted by ardgedee at 7:35 AM on January 6 [3 favorites has favorites]

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posted by OmieWise at 7:38 AM on January 6

Great life, great post.
posted by cogneuro at 7:43 AM on January 6 [1 favorite has favorites]

Wow. I very much like (and own a CD of) Steve Reich's Different Trains.

Thank you very much Ms (Mrs?) Freeman.

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posted by Artful Codger at 8:37 AM on January 6

Wow also. What a life well spent. Thank you, Ms. Freeman, for your commitment to the art of music and its creators, and for your fantastic sensibilities and discernment in supporting great young artists when they most needed it.

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posted by LooseFilter at 10:27 AM on January 6

Have just been reading Sound Unbound which mentions "Different Trains" at least a couple of times so far. I may have to haul that CD out of storage and give it a spin.
posted by Foosnark at 12:37 PM on January 6

Betty Freeman appears to have been responsible for the 1977 documentary
The Dreamer that Remains. It introduced me to the music and
instruments of Harry Partch.
posted by the Real Dan at 2:41 PM on January 6

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You mean she also funded Conlon Nancarrow? Heck, she had me at Harry Partch!

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posted by jonp72 at 9:53 PM on January 6

Mark Swed sheds more light on Freeman's philanthropy and personality in the LA Times blog.
posted by NemesisVex at 11:39 AM on January 7