Comments on: Meet the Composer

Meet the Composer

NemesisVex — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:01:17 -0800

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.

By: Joe Beese

Joe Beese — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:07:25 -0800

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

By: ardgedee

ardgedee — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:35:55 -0800

. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .

By: OmieWise

OmieWise — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:38:19 -0800

By: cogneuro

cogneuro — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:43:55 -0800

Great life, great post.

By: Artful Codger

Artful Codger — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:37:50 -0800

Wow. I very much like (and own a CD of) Steve Reich's Different Trains. Thank you very much Ms (Mrs?) Freeman. .

By: LooseFilter

LooseFilter — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:27:39 -0800

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. .

By: Foosnark

Foosnark — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:37:52 -0800

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.

By: the Real Dan

the Real Dan — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:41:47 -0800

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.

By: jonp72

jonp72 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:53:38 -0800

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

By: NemesisVex

NemesisVex — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:39:51 -0800

Mark Swed sheds more light on Freeman's philanthropy and personality in the LA Times blog.