Contemporary music does not necessarily have to be atonal, does not have to violently break all the boundaries of earlier musical epochs in order to stand out, nor does it have to live essentially from effects sequenced one after another. It is possible to compose imaginative and sophisticated music that also "takes" the listener along in aesthetic euphony. The intensity of a piece of music's linkage to the past also refers to the theme it is based on.
The string quartet "Abschied vom Nicht-Ort", for example, is a homage to Ludwig van Beethoven and his 8th Symphony. Of course, the piece seeks a bridge, alienates, develops further ... but does not lose the connection to its roots. Metaphorically, it stands for a journey, perhaps a journey through life or time - refering to Upper Austria, where van Beethoven finished the work on this 8th symphony. The musical pictures drawn by that piece are correspondingly colourful.
Other works have other roots ... and therefore allow themselves a different musical language, which are sometimes leading the listener further and sometimes less far away from certain genres or epoch. They even might explore several perspectives. The strong and creative idea, the inner intention of a piece is the most important criterion. The recipients may like it or dislike it, may judge in terms of technique and so on. But this is only the second look. The first look is reserved purely and unclouded for the intention of the work.
Please feel welcome to explore my world of music!