Geoffrey Gaskell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>1.  Any composer whose name has been written on the back of an envelope and
>drawn randomly from the barrel in a "lucky" draw.
>2. The next composer, from the same draw. ...

A system i can certainly relate to:  there's so many fine composers out
there that it seems a shame to restrict yourself to the names you know.
If pushed (& the money was sufficient to obtain the scores - in the came
of most name composers, you're generally talking at least 6 figures; none
of which will ever be reinbursed...  although what's'isface [Lebrecht,
now that i remember it] tends to fly fast & loose with the facts; the
basic idea that the CM business is completely - & certifiably - insane is
unarguable), these would be the four names (& musical genres) i'd retreat
to:

1) Mikis Theodorakis (theatrical piece - probably ballet - or vocal/choral);
2) Malcolm Arnold (if his health permits a return to composition: symphony
for orchestra);
3) He Zhan Hao (er hu/violin concerto); &
4) Alan Hovhaness (symphony for wind ensemble).

Runners up would include three composers from this list (Judith & Sterling
- who's music i haven't heard - & Aaron - which i have; Zhu Jian'er; Ian
Shanahan (a fine & very funny Sydney composer...  he'd get the challenge
of a recorder concerto); & David Byrne.

Harrison Birtwhistle ain't got a chance....

All the best,

Robert Clements <[log in to unmask]>