What do I mean by the term music-writer? It’s very simple: I write music. If you ask me, there’s not enough difference between arranging, composing and everything in between to assume separate titles for each. Additionally, the writing of program notes also fits within this definition: that’s of course just writing about music.
In every aspect of my work I strive for a very human approach. This means that I try to be considerate of both performers and audience, of the practical side of music-making. This doesn’t mean that my music is always “easy” to play or to listen to—rather, I encourage people to find their limits by asking things that are just short of impossible. Additionally, I like every new piece to be really new. Let no one think that I have a single, rigid style!
Also when arranging or engraving I like to be considerate of the human dimension of the music, even though it isn’t strictly my own. From my long experience as a performer of extremely varied repertoire I know what players like to read. This of course depends on instrument, style, level of skill and even the amount of rehearsal time available. I always make sure that performers can get to work on a score right away, by virtue of it being legible, carefully prepared, without errors and with all relevant information readily apparent. It is a matter of pride for me to be able to work in just about any style, which should be apparent from my list of already-completed projects.
When I write program notes about existing music I also am considering the human reader. Technical and theoretical terms are of course very interesting for the experts, but will quickly intimidate a “normal” concertgoer. I strive toward taking the reader along in the music, with a minimum of pretense. Going from audience reactions, I have been quite successful in that regard so far. In my texts I also like to show the human behind the composer instead of having them just be a Famous Last Name, and try to make the reader empathise with them. This is something in which my own experience as a composer comes in handy, of course. I want to help the audience listen, simply because listening to music is a lovely thing to do.