FAQs

What’s your compositional process?

It varies, but I generally use a method I’ve been developing since my earliest mature works. Each piece (or section of a larger work) is based on a small amount of material, usually a sequence of short motifs separated by silences. As these motifs unfold and recur, the earlier ones gradually give way to the later ones. A simple algorithm guides the irregular rate at which this process takes place. Moment to moment, this process yields fresh juxtapositions of material, even as the overall trend becomes clear – a sort of drifting effect, unpredictable yet inevitable.

All that said, it isn’t the rigor of this working method that attracts me, it’s the expressive potential. I’ll frequently intervene in the process to suit my own tastes.

Who/what are some of the most important influences on your music?

Along with the usual suspects: John Cage’s String Quartet in Four Parts (1950). The music of Japanese composer Jo Kondo, particularly his 70s works. Christian Wolff’s Duo for Violins (1950). Debussy and Stravinsky. Dub reggae, for creating space through subtraction.

How can I get hold of your scores?

Drop me a note at sswartzcomposer@gmail.com.

Where can I hear your “avant-folk” band Songs from a Random House?

We broke up in 2006, but our two albums, Random Numbers and gListen, are available at Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, and other fine streaming platforms.

Are you that Stephen Schwartz?

The famed Broadway composer/lyricist? Nope.