Twenty-First Century

Classical music's tradition didn't cease with the great symphonies of yesteryear. Composers have continued to write serious works for concert halls and orchestras throughout the twentieth century and to the present day. Some modern composers reference and follow traditional styles, like Englishman Peter Maxwell Davies. Others incorporate other genres, like the Avant-Jazz saxophonist John Zorn. Still, others stretch traditions near the breaking point, like Minimalist composer Terry Riley.