On The Composer's Voice host John Zech welcomes Ned Rorem as his guest. They talk about his rich life, answering questions like: "Why do I write music? Because I want to hear it - it's as simple as that. Others may have more talent, more sense of duty. But I compose just from necessity, and no one else is making what I need."

Listen in: Hear Ned Rorem discuss his work, along with a sampling of his music (RealAudio 3.0; how to listen)

Music from the Show
(All music by Ned Rorem unless otherwise noted)

Toccata from Piano Sonata No. 2 - Julius Katchen, piano
PHILIPS 456 856

Little Elegy/ For Poulenc - Phyllis Curtin, soprano; Ned Rorem, piano
CRI CD 657

The Dancer from The Nantucket Songs - Phyllis Bryn-Julson, soprano; Ned Rorem, piano
CRI CD 657

Nocturne from String Symphony - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/ Robert Shaw
NEW WORLD 353

"Bewitching attire of the most charming simplicity" and "A Secret Power" from A Quaker Reader - Catharine Crozier, organ
DELOS 3076

"Oratio Patris Condren" from Three motets - Choir of St. Thomas Church/ Gerre Hancock
ARGO 425 800

Valse oubliee from Winter Pages - Charles Wadsworth, piano and ensemble
NEW WORLD 80416

1st mvmt from Piano Concerto for left hand - Gary Graffman, piano; Symphony Orchestra of the Curtis Institute/ Andre Previn
NEW WORLD 80445

mvmts 5-8 from String Quartet No. 4 (Seated Harlequin; Head of a Boy; Basket of Flowers and Self Portrait) - Emerson String Quartet
DG 453 506

"Four or Five times" - Jimmy Lunceford and orchestra
DELTA 11 088

from the Violin Concerto - Gidon Kremer, violin; New York Phil./ Leonard Bernstein
DG 429 231

Other Sites on the Web
Biography

Interview: from Classical Net

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