ABSTRACT

William Forsythe states that he uses music in an essentially classical way. His collaboration with Thom Willems and Joel Ryan is considered in this light. Willems has composed almost exclusively for dance and for Ballett Frankfurt for 13 years, working less on specific pieces than on an “oeuvre.” He and Forsythe share a classical background enhanced by sensitivity to disco and popular style. Willems’ music, once chiefly electronic, is moving toward a greater use of live musicians and of improvisation. Joel Ryan, a physics/philosophy student turned musician, has worked since 1995 as a complement to Willems, concentrating on detail and sound while Willems and Forsythe address large-scale structural issues. Ryan is working on computer elements that enable a violinist to produce masses of orchestral sound, and envisions the creation of a bowed mouse.