Catching up with Andrew Gant

September 26, 2018

Andrew Gant will be at Southwark Cathedral on 2 October in conversation with Professor Jane Glover. Here, he chats with us about his work as a composer. Is writing music similar to writing a book?

1.            You’re a composer and author. How is writing music similar to writing a book?

Interesting question! There are similarities in terms of structure, and trying to lead the reader/listener through a narrative which holds their attention through use of contrast, change of tone etc. Some kinds of music tell a story in words. For example, I have recently written a children's opera based on stories by Beatrix Potter- so there is an actual verbal narrative there. Another similarity is that many of the writers I admire clearly enjoy the sound of language as well as its meaning, none more so than the great wordsmiths of the English church, Cranmer, Tyndale and others. Then there are differences: obvious technical ones like the difference between words and notes, less obvious ones like the more abstract nature of a musical argument. I certainly find that the two things definitely feed off each other, and very broadly I try to alternate projects in the two mediums, so as to keep my hand in with both!

2.            What have you learned about yourself through your work as a musician?

It sounds like a glib answer, but the idea that "self" and "musician" are different doesn't really work. It's like saying what have you learned about yourself by breathing oxygen.

3.            What’s the most challenging element of being a composer?

Making a living! (ask Mozart)

4.            Where would you like to be in five years?

It is so rewarding when, often out of the blue, someone mentions something I've done or written, and it's clearly made an impact on them in some way. If I'm lucky enough to be able to carry on doing that, as a composer and as an author, I'll be content. 

5.            What advice would you give your younger self?

That's another interesting one. Of course, when you look back at choices you made, there are some that turn out to have been blind alleys. But that raises the question of how you would have known that if you hadn't tried them. I also think you have to be careful to extend a certain amount of respect and tolerance to your younger self as he was then, even when he was clearly being an idiot. That was his prerogative.