Pulitzer-Winning Composer Michael Abels on Race, AI and Being Black in Classical Music

Brown & Black

In this special episode of Brown & Black, we sit down with recent Pulitzer Prize-winning, Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer Michael Abels. We take a journey through his life, his passion for music, the challenges he faced as a Black composer in the 1980s, and his latest work on the film "Chevalier," based on the life of Joseph Bologne in the 1800s. We asked him about the barriers he overcame as a Black composer, what sets Joseph Bologne apart from traditional composers, and will classical music has to transform to survive in the era of artificial intelligence. Michael Abels weighed in.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Early Years: Abels reveals his lifelong love for music, sparked by childhood experiences of singing and moving to the rhythm of songs like "The Sound of Music." He started taking piano lessons at the age of four, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey.
2. Breaking Into The Classical Music Industry: Abels discusses the hurdles he faced in the 1980s when trying to establish himself as a film composer. Despite living in LA, he struggled to convince anyone to hire him, leaving him puzzled about the reasons behind his rejection… until he met Jordan Peele.
3. The Film "Chevalier": Hear how Michael was drawn to the film "Chevalier" and why he considered it an honor to contribute to telling Bologne's story. Through his involvement in the project, Abels gained a deeper understanding of Bologne's life and the challenges he faced, while witnessing the recognition Bologne's legacy was finally receiving.
4. The Significance of Joseph Bologne: Abels recalls his discovery of Joseph Bologne, a notable yet often overlooked figure in classical music history. As a groundbreaking composer in 18th-century France, Bologne's influence on the artistic scene is emphasized, underscoring his enduring relevance, particularly to underrepresented audiences.
5. Reclaiming Black Identity Through Music: Abels discusses the musical composition and scoring of the pivotal moment in the film when Bologne reclaims his Black identity and joins the fight for justice. He shares insights into how he fused classical and hip-hop elements to create a song of protest, conveying Bologne's transformation and his willingness to be seen authentically.
6. Helping the Next Generation of Composers of Color: Abels opens up about his involvement as a co-founder of the Composer's Diversity Collective. The advocacy group aims to increase visibility and opportunities for composers of color in the media industry, connecting diverse composers with directors and showrunners who can help tell untold stories.
7. Is The Future of Classical Music AI?: Abels reflects on the future of classical music with artificial intelligence and the need for greater diversity and multicultural representation. He applauds the efforts being made to make classical music more inclusive and accessible using hip-hop and other genres, emphasizing the importance of accommodating and engaging with the evolving world.

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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