Nico Muhly, Stephen Hough and Alondra de la Parra on the Most Difficult Pieces of Classical Music They Composed, Conducted or Performed

"For me, the challenge of making something I don't quite know how to write is interesting. I decided to incorporate fragments of the Windrush testimonies."

"One of the hardest pieces I've worked on, and also one of my most beloved pieces, is Bartok's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta. It demands huge responsibility from almost every player."

"Bartok created a musical architecture that resembles the mathematical proportions of the Fibonacci series. As a conductor, you have to focus on expressivity and the music itself."

Composers often encounter restrictions when commissioned, which can inspire creativity. Nico Muhly's lamentations for the Tallis Scholars incorporated elements of the Windrush scandal, aligning contemporary testimonies with ancient texts. Alondra de la Parra described the complexities of conducting Bartok's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, which demands precision and expressivity from musicians. The piece's structure reflects mathematical proportions, adding to its challenge. Conductors must also address the psychological aspects of leading musicians through difficult passages.

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