Whither goeth new music? Two contrasting views.

Two very different looks at the current state of new music caught my attention at practically the same moment this morning.  One was the last report on Morning Edition  before the classical show started at nine, about a cheap electric guitar that's been shared by musicians from all over the world, some well-known, some previously unknown, each making a piece of music on it.  Collaborative, creative, democratic, affordable, accessible — in how many ways is this a cool idea?

One prominent composer who, while not totally tut-tutting, might express reservations about the above, described his own concerns about the current state of "classical music" (whatever that now means) in a most worthwhile piece in the New York Times.  It's also a coming-of-musical-age tale, but don't expect 58-year old Boston native Robert Beaser to wallow in typical baby boomer nostalgia or overindulge in inter-generational criticism of these crazy kids today.  He's much too thoughtful for that.  Please check both of these items out, and let me know what you think.