The Jörg Widmann Interview: Part 1

2025-08-25

A land without music? Episode 21 This episode of A land without music? is the first of a 2 part interview with composer, clarinetist and conductor Jörg Widmann. As a composer, his music ranges from tonal works openly referencing the greats of the past such as Mozart and Schumann, to wild, pitchless celebrations of sound and rhythm. He's also in great demand as a wonderfully virtuosic performer and as a lively and engaging conductor. At the time of the interview he was composer in residence with the Be...

A land without music? Episode 21

This episode of A land without music? is the first of a 2 part interview with composer, clarinetist and conductor Jörg Widmann.

As a composer, his music ranges from tonal works openly referencing the greats of the past such as Mozart and Schumann, to wild, pitchless celebrations of sound and rhythm. He's also in great demand as a wonderfully virtuosic performer and as a lively and engaging conductor.

At the time of the interview he was composer in residence with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and on the day it was recorded he'd been up working on a commission for them from 6am. He then spent a full day conducting a rehearsal with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, before returning to the commission for more composing.

Eventually, Jörg sat down with Julian for the interview and was enthusiastic, bright and brimming with energy throughout. And he gave us far more time than had actually been agreed.

He is a genuine force of nature.

Written and presented by Julian Leeks
Produced by Sound World

Music

Fantasie by Jörg Widmann. Listen on Apple Music or Spotify

In The Steps of Apollo by Julian Leeks (performed by Zelkova String Quartet).
Listen here.

Beehive by Julian Leeks (Note Performer demo version recorded for our sponsors)

For more info about Sound World visit sound-world.org

Comments (3)